Minor Scuffling At Struck UniRoyal Plants
5-3-67 [handwritten date in top right]
By RUTH NICHOLS
Scuffling and shoving erupted this morning on the picket lines at the struck UniRoyal Footwear Plants in the borough as a result of the announcement by management of its intention to start shipping to critical customers.
The surge of activity began last night at approximately 8 p.m. when UniRoyal began to move personnel with suitcases through the gates.
John Smith, Factory Manager of the Footwear plant, verified the fact that management had notified the union yesterday of the company’s intent to ship to critical customers. Smith said that everything was quiet at the plant late this morning. He had no comment to make as to what number of persons were within the plant.
An all-men picket force was thrown around the gates of the plants last night, continuing through this morning. Scuffling and some incidents ensued early this morning as white collar workers attempted to cross the lines.
However, police report no arrests made. In most instances, police were not successful in escorting personnel through the line.
The heaviest picket lines were in front of the Central Office on Maple St., and the Warehouse located on Rubber Ave. Most of the activity centered around the main warehouse building on Rubber Ave.
Police reported that one group of four was successfully taken through the line. Pickets allowed a nurse and an attorney to enter the warehouse without incident this morning, according to reports.
A special police force of 24 men was put on duty today. The officers said that raincoats were torn and clothing damaged as a result of the early morning activity. Capt. Joseph Summa, in charge of the special force, was kept busy this morning checking the action at the gates to insure the situation did not get out of hand.
Raymond Mengacci, vice-president of Local 45, said late this morning that picketing was “orderly” and that a picket line had been set up at all gates. He added that today the union was not allowing any white collar workers through the lines.
Mengacci stated that the union was told yesterday of the company’s intention to start shipping materials out of the plants.
President of Local 45, George Froehlich, was called in Cincinnati today and informed of the situation in Naugatuck. Froehlich informed Mengacci that one of the companies, not UniRoyal, was “close” to settlement.
An executive vice-president of the company had been brought into the negotiation sessions. This is the first good sign since the strike was called at midnight Thursday, April 20.
Rumors are circulating the borough that UniRoyal is attempting to seek an injunction against the “lock-out.” Mengacci told the NEWS today that as yet no papers have been served on the Union. No confirmation could be obtained from the company as to the veracity of this statement.
Office workers reported for work at their usual time this morning but were not allowed to enter the buildings. Shortly after 8 a.m. management announced via a bull-horn that the workers were to go home and try again tomorrow morning.
Police Chief Frank Mariano is watching the activity closely. He said, he has had no additional information but that at present the local department was able to handle the situation.
Mayor Joseph C. Raytkwich is keeping a close eye on the strike and conferring with officials in an attempt to keep on top of the situation.