Wrap it up

UNIONIZED GROCERY workers in Southern California brought more drama to their contract negotiations this week, voting overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if contract talks break down. The move reflected the Kabuki-theater quality of major contract negotiations, whose slow pace often prompts union members to pose belligerently simply to energize the proceedings. In this case, however, the vote reminded negotiators for Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons that these episodes don't always end well. It suggested that only four years after a wrenching 141-day strike and lockout, union members are willing to stage another walkout in pursuit of a better deal.

June 27, 2007