Walkouts and pickets failed to shutdown operations at WestFarm Foods in Washington state as this issue went to press. Some union employees crossed picket lines and in some facilities replacement workers were used to continue operations.

Plants in Washington, and in Los Angeles and San Jose, Calif., and Portland and Medford, Ore., were effected. Nearly 200 union workers at WestFarm's Seattle area facilities were locked out two months ago after a breakdown in contract negotiations.

During negotiations, the union sought raises, the preservation of benefits and job protection. A 3-year contract expired July 31. While a federal mediator started working with both sides in September, contract talks have not yet resumed; the union and WestFarm have filed 11 unfair labor practice charges against each other with the National Labor Relations Board.