**Date:** 5-6-67
**Source:** Unknown
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NAUGATUCK – The Board of Mayor and Burgesses may take action today to seek Gov. John Dempsey’s aid in settling the master contract negotiations between Uniroyal and the United Rubber Workers.
Third Ward Republican Burgess Edward McGrath said Monday night he plans to make a motion during tonight’s borough board meeting to “bring the governor into the picture”
“It’s high time the governor took action,” said McGrath, adding that “the economy of the whole valley is affected by the strike.”
An attempt to reach Governor Dempsey for a comment Monday night failed.
Although the governor cannot take coercive action, McGrath felt that persuasion from the highest office in the state might have some effect in bringing about a settlement in the six-week-old strike.
“This is too important a situation to just sit back,” said the burgess. To date, he added, no one has taken any official action to help bring about a settlement.
If Governor Dempsey and his advisors cannot wield the necessary influence, McGrath said he would consider seeking federal action, possibly through President Johnson.
Although Uniroyal’s negotiations are on a national scale, noted McGrath, the immediate situation is local, and warrants the governor’s attention.
Negotiators for Uniroyal and the URW met face to face Monday for the first time since May 26. Following a Memorial Day weekend recess, the groups did not convene as scheduled last Wednesday.
It was claimed that the meetings did not take place at that time because both groups “had some things to discuss.”
Management negotiators contacted Monday night said that both groups met during the day, but declined to state whether any signs of progress could be seen. They are scheduled to meet again this morning.
Although federal mediators are present in Cincinnati, where the negotiations are taking place, it has been reported that they are not at the negotiating table.