County Workers Set Strike for Tuesday

The union representing 40,000 Los Angeles County workers set Tuesday for a general strike by half of the county work force--and a protest at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting--unless an agreement is reached on a new contract.

“It’s time to shut the county down,” said the message Friday on the telephone hot line operated by Local 660 of Service Employees International Union.

Flyers announcing the strike sprung up at county facilities Friday as negotiations continued. County officials say they have prepared contingency plans so that county departments can respond at least to emergencies in the event of a strike. Union officials say the dispute revolves around health benefits.