**Date:** 7-26-67
**Source:** Unknown
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The five major rubber companies and the United Rubber Workers union resumed talks yesterday in Ohio. Representatives of the borough’s three Locals and UniRoyal representatives met again in Cincinnati with other talks being conducted in three other Ohio cities. No indications of a break in the 76-day-old strike were forthcoming, according to sources.
The offer of Akron Mayor John S. Ballard to assist in negotiations of the four Akron based firms of Goodyear, Goodrich, Firestone and General and his appeal for around the clock negotiations was not eagerly accepted by all concerned. Goodrich and Firestone, among the companies and the union, replied to the request, citing their willingness to conduct negotiations continuously.
Doubt was expressed, however, that third-party participation for a single community would be helpful, since talks embrace company plants in numerous cities.
According to sources many local issues have bogged down the negotiations. Third Ward Republican Burgess Edward McGrath had appealed to Gov. John Dempsey to help in the negotiations; however, the Borough Board was informed that he was watching the situation. No concrete action in mediation was mentioned in his communication.
Locally, picketing remains quiet at all gates of the three UniRoyal plants in the borough with strikers taking their turns on the picket line as matter of course.
The financial drain on the strikers is becoming more evident with each passing week. The $15 a week union benefit check is far from sufficient to maintain a family. An increasing number of borough residents are finding it difficult to maintain their installment payments, although local banking institutes have been most understanding of the situation.
Striking UniRoyal workers are looking forward to receiving vacation pays to give them a temporary financial lift.
AKRON, OHIO (UPI) — The president of the B. F. Goodrich Tire & Rubber Co. said today if the record-long strike against the rubber industry continues much longer the firm’s operations here will be reduced.
“We will not leave Akron but the operation will become smaller,” said J. W. Keener. “The longer the strike goes on the less certain we are to maintain customers.” Goodrich employs about 5,000 workers here.
Keener said reduced operations would result “because of the inability to stay in some businesses by becoming non-competitive.”
The strike, in its 77th day, was called against Goodrich, UniRoyal Inc., and the Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. when United Rubber Workers (URW) contracts expired April 20.
General Tire & Rubber Co. was struck June 21. Work has continued at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. on a day-to-day basis.
“With the offer that we made to this union our costs are increased to a degree greater than the small companies with lesser costs,” Keener said.