PATHMARK, UNION DISCUSSING FATE OF 7 PENNSYLVANIA UNITS

AMY I. STICKEL

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. -- Officials of Pathmark Stores here are expected to meet with members of a United Food and Commercial Workers union local this week to continue negotiations to keep open seven central Pennsylvania supermarkets.

Stan Sorkin, a Pathmark spokesman, said the company and UFCW Local 1776 have been discussing ways to cut costs at the stores. Despite three weeks of meetings, the chain and the union have not reached an agreement, Sorkin said.

According to some reports, new competition in the area has hurt the profitability of the seven stores, located in Shillington, Reading, Bethlehem, Allentown, York, Camp Hill and Harrisburg.

Previously, Pathmark said in its financial statements that it expects to close or sell five stores in 1994.

Officials at Local 1776 could not be reached for comment.