Few Changes In Safeway, Union Contract Talks

DENVER (AP) — Safeway and unionized Colorado grocery workers aren't any closer to a new contract after a fresh day of talks, with pension benefits remaining a contentious issue.

Safeway said negotiators for United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 presented a proposal Tuesday that isn't much different from one made in September, so Safeway isn't willing to change its position either.

UFCW Local 7 says Safeway hasn't been willing to meet workers halfway. The workers' last long-term contract expired in May.

The union represents about 17,000 workers at Safeway, King Soopers, City Market and Albertsons.

Safeway workers have voted to authorize a strike if talks deteriorate.

No new negotiation dates have been set.

King Soopers is owned by The Kroger Co.