HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Stop & Shop and the union representing about 40,000 supermarket workers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island have extended negotiations for a week, but the union is preparing for a possible strike.
The contract ended Saturday, but the supermarket chain and the United Food and Commercial Workers extended talks to Feb. 28.
Brian Petronella, president of the union's Local 371 in Connecticut, said Sunday the two parties are far apart on wages, health care and pensions. He would not be specific. He said union locals are scheduling votes authorizing a strike if needed.
Stop & Shop spokeswoman Faith Weiner says the two sides have made progress but more work remains to be done. She also would not discuss specific contract terms that separate the company and the union.
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