A strike called by almost 5,000 union members of the Southern California Gas Co. has been forestalled, as a result of a tentative settlement pact between the company and the union representatives.

The contract deal requires the approval of the union’s rank and file this month to become effectual. Nonetheless, it has definitely averted the protest that appeared almost unavoidable, because of a virtual deadlock over the most debatable issues involving healthcare and pension funding.

With a federal mediator - Julie Gutman, senior labor advisor to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa - aiding the conciliation, utility executives had made eventuality plans, including tapping management employees for a stopgap arrangement to continue uninterrupted services.

According to the union spokeswoman, Mary Gutierrez, the non-decisive agreement – which “literally came together in the last minute” - contains a three-step salary hike, totaling more than 10 percent; along with safeguarding the sick time benefits and the pension plans of the workers.

Once it meets with the requisite approval, the proposed salary hike will come in a phased manner, and the existing pension would sustain. The rise in the salary would be retroactive to October 1, the date when the old contract ended. 

Denise King of the Gas Co said: “We’re pleased after months of negotiations and concessions on both sides that we were able to reach a tentative agreement that both the Gas Company and unions are pleased with.”