**Date:** 6-14-69
**Source:** URWS
—
NAUGATUCK-A URW counter proposal being discussed by Uniroyal and four other major rubber producers calls for a three-year agreement and includes pensions and fringe benefits, it was learned Tuesday. The United Rubber Workers submitted the counter proposal after rejecting an industry-wide offer Friday. The three-year counter proposal represents a turnabout in the union stand in the negotiations. Calling a mass meeting of the Local 45 membership, held May 29, Pres. George Froehlich reportedly told those in attendance that the union would settle for neither a three-year pact nor an agreement which included pensions and fringe benefits. According to sources, however, the union has come to the conclusion that the three-year pact was necessary, primarily because it seemed the only way to force the companies into offering higher wage benefits. When the companies made their original offers, the wage terms and supplemental unemployment benefits were considered inadequate by union negotiators. Management claimed, however, that none of the items in the contract offers could be raised until they had some idea of what the union was seeking in pension and fringe benefits. The first hint of significant progress came about two weeks ago, according to sources, when all five companies were scheduled to sit at one table and discuss a pact. The meeting failed, however, due to the union negotiators from Goodrich, the sources claimed. Election Problems Despite the problems with the contract itself, sources have indicated that another obstacle in the negotiations is the forthcoming union elections on the local level. Some of the union negotiators, who are seeking reelection, have been adamant in their demands in order to satisfy the rank and file membership. Uniroyal union representatives, however, were not indicated as being among this group. The union plan submitted Friday calls for a straight five per cent increase, sources revealed. Among the items called for in the counter proposal are an increase in pensions to $5.50 per man per year, and supplemental unemployment benefits up to 80 per cent. Management reportedly had last offered an increase in pensions to $5.25, and supplemental benefits up to 75 per cent.