Vons, Albertsons look for applicants in case of strike

A sign asking for applications for temporary workers adorned the windows of and stores Thursday in Palm Desert.

The grocery stores posted the help wanted signs at all of its Southern California locations, including the Coachella Valley, in response to a potential strike, according to 89.3 KPCC.

United Food and Commercial Workers have reached an impasse with the grocery chains over the cost of health care benefits, the radio station reported.

The station reported that Safeway, the parent company of Vons and Pavilions, described the move as "purely a defensive measure.''