UNION EXPECTS QUICK PACTS IN NORTHWEST

EUGENE, Ore. -- Officials of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555 here said last week they expect a quick contract settlement with Safeway and Fred Meyer Inc., following member approval of new four-year agreements with Albertson's, Boise, Idaho. More than seven months after the Feb. 14 expiration of Local 555's three-year contracts, 80% of the meatcutters and 62% of the retail clerks voted last Tuesday to accept Albertson's final offer.

However, the local was able to narrow the gap to less than $1 an hour, he said.

"We're disappointed the wages were not higher, but we had to take a steep hit -- up to $75 -- to maintain and improve medical costs," he explained.

A spokesman for Fred Meyer, Portland, Ore., said the company is "looking forward to talking with the union." Representatives of Safeway, Pleasanton, Calif., could not be reached for comment last week.