[Dion]

Kellsey said the company is disappointed that the membership rejected an offer of roughly 14 per cent over three years.

"Obviously we're very disappointed that the membership rejected the offer and the recommended settlement that was voted on," she said. "We believe the offer that provided wage increases of $2.65 over three years was a very generous offer to these members."

One of the key issues in dispute is Safeway's attempt to increase the work week to 40 hours from the 37 hours the warehouse employees now work.

Full-time senior people in these jobs have been making about $20 per hour, while the part-time rate is around $18. The workers rejected an offer that the union leadership had endorsed

O'Halloran said he's expecting a long strike, but at this point he's reluctant to talk about his strategy, including reaching out to other unions

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