Seattle Bon Stores Face Strike By Clerks

Retail clerks at Seattle-area Bon Marche stores have overwhelmingly rejected a contract offer and have authorized a strike.

However, both union and store officials said Thursday that a strike is not imminent, and that talks with a federal mediator are expected in the next two weeks.

The rejected contract offered minor pay increases and sought cuts in commission rates.

A Bon Marche spokesman said he hopes an agreement can still be reached.