OTHER NEWS - Oct. 1, 1993

Gas Company Workers Plan Strike: Union-represented workers of Southern California Gas Co. said they would stage a 24-hour strike, beginning at 6 a.m. today, to protest plans by the utility company to hire outside contractors to perform some of their jobs. The unions, which contend that the use of outside contractors compromises customers’ safety, will also hold a rally downtown and picket company facilities. A gas company spokesman said the utility’s branches will be kept open by management employees who will mainly handle safety-related calls. “Routine requests--non-safety issues--will be responded to on a slower basis. We’re asking the public for forbearance,” the spokesman said.