Uniroyal Rumors Stay Unconfirmed

5-18-67 [handwritten notation at top]

NAUGATUCK—Although rumors ran rampant throughout the borough Thursday to the effect that B. F. Goodrich Rubber Co. was approaching settlement with United Rubber Worker negotiators on its master contract, the rumor remained unconfirmed. Many thought that if B. F. Goodrich reached a settlement, Uniroyal, Inc., would also probably settle soon.

For the seventh straight day, negotiators involved with Uniroyal could not be reached in Cincinnati, where the negotiations are taking place. It is not known whether the United Rubber Workers and Uniroyal are making progress in the negotiations.

It was reported, however, that talks continued Thursday between the major rubber producers and the union. There was no announcement whether negotiations would recess for the weekend as they did last weekend.

In the borough, pickets continued in a peaceful vein, permitting trucks to enter and leave the gates. The procedure was the same as has been observed throughout the week, with the team captain approaching the truck drivers to inform them of the situation. Although drivers turned away, those who did go through, were allowed to without incident.

Besides Uniroyal, the companies struck are B. F. Goodrich and the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. is continuing production on a day-to-day basis.

General Tire and Rubber Co.’s contract with URW does not expire until Monday, but talks have been in progress since last month.

About 45,000 Americans a year die from kidney failure.

Australia has 3.5 billion tons of bauxite reserves.