TORONTO - The United Food and Commercial Workers union says its members working at Loblaw Companies Ltd. in Ontario have voted 97 per cent in favour of strike action.

The strike votes at locals 175 and 633 took place after the union broke off talks on May 5.

The two UFCW locals represent 28,000 grocery workers employed at Loblaws Great Food and Superstore, Zehrs, Zehrs Great Food and Superstore, and Fortinos.

The locals say the main issues are wages, work schedules, benefits and they're seeking improvements and limits on third party providers.

Local 175 president Shawn Haggerty says with the strong strike vote, the workers are sending a clear message they support their negotiating committee.

Negotiations are scheduled to resume on May 26.