The union contract for thousands of employees across the metro area is about to run out and there is a call for a massive boycott of the region's largest grocery chains if negotiations collapse.

More than 26,000 Safeway and Giant Food store employees are holding out hope as their contract comes to an end. "Better pay and I hope they don't cut the benefits," said one employee.

But union officials say that is what the companies want. "The company is asking for concessions from the union, from the union members," said Mikki Harris with Local 400.

Religious leaders from across the region joined in a call on the grocery chains to be generous. They also urged shoppers to stay away in the event of a strike. Rev. Graylan Hagler with the Plymouth Congregational Church urged, "Do not cross the picket line, but support the workers who are struggling."

Safeway and Giant are the largest grocers in the metro area. Customers differ on how they would react to confronting picket lines.

"If I have to get groceries, yeah. Cause right now I had to get milk for my daughter so definitely I'd go. I'd go across it," said Giant shopper Lamont Honsety.
Meantime, Safeway Shopper Suleiman Ferzad feels differently. "No I wouldn't. I just wouldn't. It's gonna turn me away."

The chief negotiator for Giant and Safeway issued a statement. He said, "We are trying to reach an equitable settlement for all which will help us and our employees counter severe non-union competition in the region."