Feb. 24--Jewel-Osco, Chicago's largest traditional grocery chain, is locked in tense negotiations with its warehouse and transportation workers with the current contracts' expiration fast approaching.
The two labor contracts covering about 850 employees collectively expire March 6. The two sides haven't reached agreement on issues pertaining to wage increases, health care and retirement benefits, said Brian Rainville, spokesman for Teamsters Local 710, the union representing both groups.
Negotiations last Friday ran into the early morning hours of Saturday, but there are "still extremely large issues that both sides are miles apart on," according to the union's blog post on the meeting. The talks resume Friday.
"Our goal is to avoid a strike and reach a deal," Rainville said Wednesday. "There's still time."
The current contract for the workers, who work at the Melrose Park distribution center, was negotiated in August 2012, Rainville said.
"The company remains committed to the negotiating process," said Jewel-Osco spokeswoman Mary Frances Trucco in a statement. "We hope to reach a new contract that continues to provide excellent wages and benefits for our Distribution Center employees."
gtrotter@tribpub.com
