**Date:** 4-20-67
**Source:** Deadline Near
—
NAUGATUCK – Although close they were to agreement, only hours remain before a two-year-old master contract expires between Uniroyal, Inc. and the United Rubber Workers (AFL-CIO), both union and management spokesmen maintained an air of extreme calm.
At press time Wednesday night talks between the two groups were continuing without the slightest hint of difficulty from spokesmen of both sides, although the present contract is due to expire at midnight tonight.
Representatives from the two sides were reluctant to answer any questions, as both had agreed not to release any information unless there was a joint effort to do so.
It was rumored from unofficial sources, however, that strike placards were ready in the event of a breakdown in the negotiations.
At the same time, as further evidence of calm, at least on the surface, it was claimed that both labor and management at the three local plants had discussed what would have to be done should a shutdown occur.
John D. Evans, factory manager at the company’s chemical complex, said that no special preparations were being made, and said that if a strike were called, the local operation could shut down in a very short time.
He said that no start had been made to quiet any operations at the Naugatuck factories.
Contacted in Cincinnati, Ohio, where negotiations between the two groups are being held, George Froelich, president of Local 45, cited the agreement between the company and the rubber workers not to divulge any information.
Edward Alves, president of Local 308, cited the same agreement, stating only that the negotiations were still in progress. He declined to say whether the two groups were close to agreement.
Talks had apparently recessed for the evening at press time, as one spokesman said they “will resume at 9 a.m.” today.
A strike decision, said one spokesman, would not be made until midnight, at which time a joint statement would be released. Although neither side would indicate Wednesday how the negotiations were progressing, it appeared that both labor and management are holding firm to the agreement not to divulge any information.