**Date:** 6-4-67
**Source:** Register
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NAUGATUCK — A turning point in the stalemated negotiations between the United Rubber Workers-AFL-CIO and Uniroyal is expected this week, possibly as early as Monday.
The strike at the company’s three local divisions is now in its 45th day.
Though neither side is talking outside the conference rooms, it has been indicated that the issue of a new master contract has reached a point where either the union or the company will have to budge.
If this happens, an agreement could be reached that would send some 5,000 local union members back to work after being idle since April 21.
The seriousness of the deadlock in negotiations was evident this past week when the URW international committee and Uniroyal representatives reportedly failed to meet following the Memorial Day holiday.
Reports from Cincinnati were that both negotiating teams had passed up official conferences so that they might meet separately in a drastic effort to resolve the stalemate.
A reliable source has said that when negotiations are resumed Monday, Uniroyal will have a package deal available for the consideration of the union. The context of this reported proposal is not yet known and the policy of Uniroyal has been to abstain from public announcements on its position.
Last Monday, the company forwarded an open letter to its employes, explaining that it had proposed that the contract be negotiated on a day-to-day basis. This would have permitted production to continue.
George Froehlich, president of Local 45, Footwear, did not discount the statement but said that the proposal to work and negotiate had been tendered only a short time before the expiration of the contract.
Prior to the strike, the URW announced it was seeking a substantial hourly wage increase and a guaranteed salary, among other benefits. The guaranteed wage is considered one of the real issues that has kept the negotiators apart.
It is reported that Uniroyal is interested in signing a contract on a three-year basis. Present contracts are for two years.
Also, Uniroyal is looking to negotiate a supplemental contract with the union. The possibility of another walkout then has prompted Uniroyal to seek an understanding at this time on pension and other benefits. However, the union reportedly is not enthused about any agreement now on issues that pertain to the supplemental contract.