International News - Strike-hit trio to face antitrust probe over pact

Industrial strife dogging US grocers Safeway, Albertsons and Kroger in California, took a new twist on Monday with the launch of an antitrust probe by the state attorney general.

The supermarket trio struck a pact to share the financial burden of the dispute and have been subpoenaed to reveal details of the agreement, which may violate state and federal laws.

The strike action over healthcare benefits is already in its eighth week.

Approximately 860 stores are under siege from picketing clerks, and sympathetic distribution centre workers are hitting the supply chain. Contract negotiations resumed on Tuesday.