Safeway union workers ready to strike withheld picket lines this weekend after a federal mediator requested early Saturday morning for a deadline extension on the grocery store’s ongoing union contract negotiations.

According to officials with UFCW Local 5, which represents Bay Area Safeway employees, union officials were asked to hold back picket lines just after midnight Saturday. The strikes could soon affect over 200 stores throughout the region as 25,000 union workers continue to demand higher wages and better benefits.

“We are working towards negotiating an agreement that avoids a work stoppage and  appreciate the support of the customers and the communities where they work,” said UFCW Local 5 President John Frahm, UFCW 8-Golden State President Jacques Loveall, and UFCW Local 648 President Dan Larson in a joint statement. “Our members remain mobilized and ready, but as long as talks are advancing toward a fair deal, we will continue to bargain in good faith.”

Union negotiators and the grocery company have been engaged in ongoing talks for a new contract for the last five months, with no resolution in sight yet.

Safeway is headquartered in Pleasanton.

In preparation for possible strikes, the union held two picket lines this month outside of Safeway stores, one in Pleasant Hill, another in Burlingame.

Union officials on Saturday reported “incremental progress,” though they still have not reached a deal.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.