Exactly how many signed up
for compensation could not be
learned, but strikers contacted
later in the day noted that the
lines were long and double.
During the last session of the
General Assembly, legislation
was introduced to make com-
pensation available to people on
strike, but the legislation failed.
A bill recently signed by Gov.
John Dempsey did not include
striking workers.
In the past strikers have been
refused unemployment compen-
sation. Normally only those out
of work due to a mass shut
or temporary layoffs, or those
those who quit work for various
reasons are eligible.
Labor Commissioner Renato
Ricciuti, contacted Friday night,
said he had no idea why the
strikers were suddenly applying
for the compensation. Although
anyone out of work and with
wage credits can apply, said the
commissioner, strikers cannot
collect.
As to why the strikers were
told to wait another week, Ric-
ciuti was also uncertain about
that, but thought perhaps the
staff at the bureau did not want
to flaly refuse the people.
A request from Footwear
Plant management to Local 45
seeking oilers to work on the
machines did not receive action
Friday, according to Local 45
Vice Pres. Raymond Mengacci.
He said that the matter would
be discussed today.