UNION PICKETS KIG KULLEN'S ORGANICS UNIT

EAST SETAUKET, N.Y. -- The Wild By Nature store here continues to be the target of picketing and an ad campaign by union locals protesting the unit's nonunion status.

als are continuing to picket the Wild By Nature organic foods store.

The store, which opened as a nonunion outlet in November 1995, is being targeted by members of UFCW Local 1500, representing retail clerks, and Local 342-50, representing meatcutters.

Representatives of King Kullen could not be reached for comment.

Bruce Both, assistant field director for Local 1500, told SN the union is protesting the fact that wages and benefits are lower at Wild By Nature than those guaranteed by the retailer in its contract with the union locals.

The general counsel for the New York regional office of the National Labor Relations Board ruled last year that the 110 employees of Wild By Nature are still covered by King Kullen's collective bargaining agreement. King Kullen has appealed that ruling, and a rehearing is set for March, Both said.