WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A major Northern California grocery chain facing a possible strike says it is losing millions of dollars a year and needs wage concessions from workers.
Raleys and United Food and Commerical Workers agreed to meet with a mediator Thursday to try to reach a contract agreement, Raley's spokesperson John Segale said.
Raley's is trying to head off the first strike in its 77-year history. Raley's has delayed implementing its last and final offer until Saturday, when the extension will end at midnight.
"If no agreement is reached, our last and final contract will be implemented at that time," Segale said.
That offer includes a two-year wage freeze and the elimination of premium pay for Sunday shifts.
Union officials said Raley's has not agreed to a full audit of its finances failing to make the case for the concessions.
Raley's operates 128 stores in California and Northern Nevada.
News10/KXTV and The Associated Press