No Grocery Strike — for Now

A possible grocery store strike in Southern California has been put on hold — for this week, at least.

A union spokesman said Monday that a federal mediator order both sides back to the bargaining table on Aug. 29, temporarily simmering the heated movement toward the region's first grocery strike since 2003.

Over the weekend, about 90 percent of the 62,000 union members voted to authorize a strike. The workers represent Vons, Albertsons and Ralphs.

Compensation discussions between the owners and union representatives have stalled over health care benefits.

The 2003 strike lasted four months.

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