TRUCK STRIKE NOT AFFECTING FOOD INDUSTRY

WASHINGTON (FNS) -- The food industry has been largely spared delivery disruptions as a result of the strike against 22 trucking companies that the Teamsters called last week.

The strike, called last Wednesday, involves 75,000 truck drivers, dock workers and mechanics responsible for ferrying about 15% of the nation's dry freight.

The struck companies haul loads under 10,000 pounds and are not used frequently by retailers, food processors and wholesalers.

Mary McAboy, vice president of investor relations at Vons Cos., Arcadia, Calif., said the chain has seen no impact from the strike so far. "If we do, it would be largely on products that come across the country, primarily nonperishables," she said.

Vons has alternate trucking sources it could use should the need arise, McAboy said.

Don Grose, senior vice president of human resources and labor relations at Certified Grocers of California, Los Angeles, said the wholesaler has its own truck fleet and none of its vendors use any of the truck companies involved in the strike.

Andrew Moore, manager of congressional affairs at the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, described the strike as "fragmented."

"We haven't heard of any complaints or actions," Moore said.

Recognizing that some of the carriers can't afford a long-term strike, Trucking Management, the organization representing the 22 carriers in negotiations, last week allowed members at 18 of the struck companies to sign interim agreements with the Teamsters. These agreements are temporary.