Safeway's union says could begin strike vote soon

NEW YORK, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Grocer chain Safeway Inc's (SWY.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) four UFCW Unions in Northern California said on Friday its members will begin voting to authorize a strike as early as Saturday through Monday evening if a settlement is not reached by midnight.

A strike could start any time after that, said the unions.

The current contract, which affects 25,000 UFCW members at some 300 stores, is set to expire on Dec. 1, it said. (Reporting by Lisa Lee)