(February 26, 2004) -- The United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 770, has posted the following announcement on its web site:

"A tentative settlement agreement has been reached between the UFCW Local Unions and Albertsons, Vons and Ralphs. This settlement is subject to ratification by the membership of all seven UFCW Southern California Locals."

The web site indicates that special contract ratification vote meetings are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28...and results of the pooled votes will be announced Sunday night (Feb. 29) after all voting has been completed.