**Date:** 7-6-67
**Source:** Unknown
—
which we compete,” Keener said.
General has offered 43 cents an hour in wage increases over three years, 80 per cent supplemental unemployment benefits, an additional paid holiday, and an increase in pension payments from $2 to $5.50 a month for each year of service.
The other firms offered 38 cents an hour to tire workers, 31 cents to non-tire workers, an added 10 cents an hour to skilled tradesmen, 75 per cent unemployment benefits and pension payments of $5.25 per month.
Keener turned down an offer from Mayor John Ballard to assist in marathon bargaining sessions. He said marathon negotiations and formal mediation efforts did not offer the best hopes for an early settlement.
Ballard received no reply Wednesday from the URW and General, but both indicated answers were forthcoming. Firestone declined the offer. Raymond C. Firestone, board chairman of the Firestone Company, said the firm would meet regularly with union negotiators until a settlement is reached.
“We are deeply concerned with the extended strike and the interests of our 17,000 employes who have been out of work in 11 cities,” Firestone said.
Nationally the strike has idled 54,000 URW members in 34 cities.