Associated Press - May 30, 2009 4:14 PM ET
DENVER (AP) - A union representing Colorado grocery workers at King Soopers, Safeway and Albertsons is asking shoppers to sign petitions of support as it negotiates new labor contracts.
Contracts for about 17,000 workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 7 expired May 9.
The union is promoting a Web site asking shoppers to pledge to respect picket lines if there's a strike or lockout.
A contract extension for unionized grocery workers at King Soopers was to expire Saturday night. Safeway and workers agreed to an extension until June 15. Albertsons employees are without a contract.
The union says it disagrees with the companies on issues including pension benefits and a pay system that offers newer employees less.
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