**Date:** 11/6/61
**Source:** Unknown
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Continued from Page 11) hikes proposed for the workers probably will mean a substantial price increase in Goodrich products. URW President Peter Bommarito said the Goodrich pact “gives the blue collar worker a status which we set out to achieve.” He called parts of the proposed contract “historical.” The tentative agreement calls for a 33-month contract running until April 20, 1970. It would give all the 12,000 Goodrich workers at least a 43-cent hourly increase with skilled employes getting a 53-cent increase. The current top scale at Goodrich is $3.88. Keener said, “This increase is well in excess of anticipated productivity gains per worker. It is certain that B.F. Goodrich cannot absorb these increased costs without substantial and effective price increases over a broad range of our product line.” Bommarito said the Goodrich agreement was another step toward ending the longest strike in the industry’s history, involving the nation’s top five producers. General Tire & Rubber Co. reached a tentative agreement earlier this week. Negotiations are continuing with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. and Uniroyal, but were recessed for the weekend. Nearly 75,000 workers have been involved in the strike against the “big five.” The union struck Goodrich, Uniroyal and Firestone on April 21. General Tire was struck by its 3,050 employes June 22, and 21,000 workers of Goodyear, the nation’s top rubber producer, walked out at midnight Thursday. Spokesmen said there has not been a shortage of tires and rubber products during the strike as the companies had large stockpiles before it started.