*Ralphs will close all its stores if there's a strike

Now that's an interesting tactic - and quite different than during the strike/lockout eight years ago when the three major chains (Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons) stayed open, using non-union personnel. "During a strike, it is difficult to create a good shopping experience for our customers and a good working environment for our employees," said a spokeswoman for the chain. The company is being a little cagey about how long the stores will be shut down (the spokeswoman used the word "initially"). Also no word on what the other chains might do. Ralphs did lose a ton of money when it stayed open the last time around. Last night, the union gave notice that it was prepared to walk on Sunday night if an agreement wasn't reached.

*Albertsons says it would close 100 of its stores.