1960s

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 2 – Page 1

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Page 2 | CHEM TEXTS | Vol. 1 No. 2

CHEM TEXTS
PUBLISHED BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL, NAUGATUCK, CONNECTICUT

FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER

Dear Fellow Employees:

We have just completed a long and unpleasant strike. An experience each of us, I’m sure, would like to soon forget. However, there are several things we should not forget.

First, a breakdown in relations, or a strike, is the result of a failure in communications. A failure to understand our mutual objectives and problems. It is essential for all of us to realize that a Company and its employees only profit to the extent that they together serve their customers’ needs.

This, logically, leads me to my second point. The additional costs of doing business resulting from the settlement — more than 80 cents per hour per employee over the next three years — lessens our position to compete for the customers’ business on the basis of price.

How can we regain our competitive position? We can only do this by doing our jobs to the best of our ability each day. We must make every personal effort to see that all of our products are of the highest possible quality. We must utilize all of our skills and ingenuity, making the most efficient use of our time to safely produce at maximum levels. We must ever be alert to seek and suggest new and better ways of doing our jobs.

In short, this challenge will call on us to work with pride in our experience, knowledge and craftsmanship. Only by meeting this challenge can we produce the sales and profits that will enable us to grow and to insure our future job security.

John D. Evans
Factory Manager

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WATER HEATERS

(taken from Family Safety magazine)

The Winter 1966 issue of Family Safety Magazine had an excellent article on water heaters. Below are a couple of the main ideas from that article. They are well worth thinking about. . . . .

When a water heater explodes it releases so much destructive energy that in almost every case it leaves behind the splintered wreckage of a completely demolished home.

Some accidents that happen frequently are difficult to control because the causes are many and complex. For example, most traffic accidents are the result of the interaction of many factors involving the driver, the highway, the vehicle and the weather.

Water heater accidents, although infrequent, deserve our attention not only because of their destructiveness but because in almost every case their causes are simple and easy to control.

Any home owner who follows three simple rules need have no fear of ever looking on the ruins of his shattered home. These rules are (1) purchase a quality heater, (2) have it properly installed and (3) follow a simple schedule of maintenance checks.

IT’S NO TEAKETTLE

The importance of proper installation and a relief valve becomes clear when you understand how a water heater works. A tank water heater differs from the simplest water heater — the teakettle — in one very important respect: when the kettle gets overheated, it boils over. But the tank heater is a closed container, and if the thermostat fails in the “on” position, the temperature continues to build up and up. Since it can’t boil over, the heat energy is converted into tremendous steam pressure confined within the water tank. If there is no escape through a temperature-pressure relief valve, a house-shattering explosion can occur.

UNIROYAL A PIONEER IN EMPLOYE BENEFITS

Uniroyal has been both pioneer and leader in progressive employe benefit programs. In 1917 when it was considered a radical innovation, we introduced the employe pension plan.

Through the years other improvements were made. These include paid vacations, life insurance, hospital, surgical and medical insurance.

HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW UNION CONTRACT

Following are highlights of the new three-year contract between Uniroyal and the United Rubber Workers Union:

1. General wage increase
A 15¢ per hour increase effective July 26, 1967, the date agreement was reached.
A 15¢ per hour increase effective July 1, 1968.
A 13¢ per hour increase effective June 30, 1969.

2. Skilled Trades Adjustment
A 10¢ per hour increase in addition to the above general increase in the year 1967.

3. Improved Vacation Pay
2 weeks vacation pay for employes with 1 year of seniority.
3 weeks vacation pay for employes with 5 years of seniority.
4 weeks vacation pay for employes with 15 years of seniority.
(Same as previous contract.)
5 weeks vacation pay for employes with 22 years of seniority.
6 weeks vacation pay for employes with 30 years of seniority.

4. Improved Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB)
Regular and short week benefits increased to 80% of average pay. Company contributions to the SUB fund increased from 5¢ to 6¢ when the fund falls below 100%. SUB fund increased from $250 to $300 per employee.

5. Pensions
69% increase in regular pensions from $3.25 to $5.50 per month per

year of service.
69% increase in disability pensions from $6.50 to $11.00 per month per year of service.
An increase of $1.50 per month per year of service for pensioners who retired after July 1, 1950.

6. Life Insurance
An increase in company-paid life insurance from $6,500 to $7,500 for active employes. Occupational accidental death and dismemberment insurance in the amount of $3,750 for active employes.

7. Hospitalization
An increase in the coverage for the maximum stay in the hospital from 365 to 730 days, including mental and psychiatric cases.

8. X-Ray and Radium Therapy
An increase in the aggregate maximum payment from $200 to $300.

9. Visiting Nurse
An increase in the maximum daily payment from $6 to $7.

10. Surgical
Provide for full payment of the reasonable and customary fees prevailing in the area for surgical procedures.

11. Sickness and Accident Benefits
An increase of $10 per week for both men and women for up to 39 weeks instead of the former 26 weeks. (Company sickness and accident benefits where applicable.)

In addition to the above, numerous other contract benefits are provided. For details, contact your industrial relations department.

CHEMICAL TEAM WINS SOFTBALL CROWN

The Uniroyal Chemical softball team won the National Division Championship of the Naugatuck News Twilight Softball League in a recent playoff against Dean’s (2nd round winners). The victory won in a best two out of three games earned the Chemical team the right to represent its division in the league “world series” against the American division champs. After bowing in the opener against Dean’s, the boys showed the stuff that champs are made of with two straight wins 5-4 and 7-4 to cop the title. During the season, the team was paced by an array of sluggers, three of whom hit over .500 and five others who batted over .400.

This is the second year in a row that we have had a champion from our plant — the 1966 Synthetic Cardinals won the league championship.

1st row, left to right: Pete Lazaras, John Zappala, Ted Hudzik, Pat DePaolo
2nd row: Mike Jasman, Eric Johnson, Brad Swain, Carl Wohmann
3rd row: John Swanson, Bob Rurin, Stan Mazur, Nelson Mason, Dan Shantz, John Prior. Absent when picture was taken, Dick Doran, Sherman Paul, Pete Byra.

LONGER TIRE LIFE

Tire life can be greatly increased, according to our tire engineers, by avoiding excessively high speed, fast turns, driving over curbs or chuck holes, fast starts and stops, bad roads and driving on the edge of the pavement.

Foremen’s Club Activities

The Naugatuck Chemical Foremen’s Club will be starting their winter schedule of monthly meetings soon. Already set, according to club president, Vic Alves, are the annual outing on September 19 and a dance sometime in October. The club recently donated $50.00 to the Naugatuck Junior Football League for equipment.

To keep a ladder from slipping when used on a cement walk, place the feet of the ladder in a pair of old rubbers or sneakers.

To be sure no one bumps his head on low-hanging pipes in your basement, try hanging a large white handkerchief around the pipe. It will serve as a warning of danger.

After painting the steps of your stepladder, sprinkle liberally with sand before the paint dries and you will have insurance against slipping.

Fact of the Matter is… by W. White

WHO IS THE VILLAIN…
…IN THE CASE OF AMERICA’S POLLUTED WATERS?

IS IT MISTER FIX-IT, WHO POURED PAINT THINNER DOWN THE BASEMENT DRAIN?

THE HURRYING HOUSEWIFE, WHO WASHED BACON FAT INTO THE SINK?

THE NEARSIGHTED FARMER, WHO MISREAD THE LABEL AND MISAPPLIED?

THE CARELESS EMPLOYEE, WHO SPILLED ACID AND OIL— AND FLUSHED IT AWAY?

THE SLOPPY BOATMAN, WHO TOSSED GARBAGE OVER THE SIDE?

THE INADEQUATE SEWAGE PLANT, WHICH IMPROPERLY TREATED SOME WASTES?

ANSWER, OF COURSE, IS ALL OF THEM. WE’RE ALL VILLAINS— AND VICTIMS ——— AS POLLUTION PLOT THICKENS. IN POLLUTION, LIKE CRIME, PREVENTION IS MOST IMPORTANT! TO MEET A COMMUNITY’S DEMANDS FOR GOOD WATER, IT TAKES MONEY, ADEQUATE TREATMENT FACILITIES & COMBINED EFFORTS OF INDUSTRY, GOV’T & EVERY CITIZEN!

A Community Awareness Message from Manufacturing Chemists Association

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 2 – Page 2

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CHEM TEXTS

Page 4

The $475.00 Cup

SUGGESTION PLAN AWARDS

Gene St. John had an idea some time back about the use of the small gel cups used in the laboratory for testing purposes. Part of Gene’s job was buying laboratory equipment and material; however, not satisfied with the products available on the market, he set about the task of designing an inexpensive cup that would do the job, equally well. Much of the work was done at home. The result was a suggestion award of $475.00 based on savings when Gene’s efforts paid off.

Jacinto DaSilva of the Chemical Production department was awarded $60.00 (the balance of an $85.00 award) for his idea to change the method of washing Octamine which reduced the amount of material going to the sewer. An original award of $25.00 was made last January for this suggestion – the balance of the award is based on actual experience in material savings.

The above 2 awards were the highest out of a total of 49 suggestions considered during a recent meeting of the suggestion committee. Twelve (12) cash and nine (9) Honorable mention awards were made totaling $725.00. Other awards were:

Joseph Moniz – Digesters –
Honorable Mention

Joseph Moniz – Digesters –
$25.00

Harry Rich – Labs – $15.00
Ed Day – Labs –
Honorable Mention
Dom Angiolillo – Labs –
$15.00
Frank Wasilesky – Mech.
Stores – $15.00
N. Salinardi – Mech. –
Honorable Mention
Carmine Ianuzzi – Mech.
Honorable Mention
(3rd – $10.00)
W. Frum – Mech. – $25.00
Charles Drapko – Chem. Prod.
$15.00
George Ravenscroft, Jr. –
Mech. – $35.00
Carmine Ianuzzi – Mech. –
Honorable Mention
G. Hennessey – Chem. Prod.
$15.00
Jacinto DaSilva – Chem. Prod.
Honorable Mention
Bill Leary – Mech. –
Honorable Mention
W. Detlefsen – Chem. Prod. –
Honorable Mention
A. Giancarlo – Mech. –
Honorable Mention
A. Gedraitis – Mech. – $15.00
G. Hennessey – Chem. Prod. –
Honorable Mention

The overall figures this year represent a reduction in suggestion plan activity due to the recent strike.

Through August 1967 a total of 201 suggestions have been considered with 64 awards totaling $1,620.00 being made. During this same period there were also 23 Honorable Mention awards.

NEW SAFETY EYE PROTECTION PROGRAM TO BE STARTED

A study of first-aid cases revealed a substantial number of eye injuries, many of them potentially serious. To combat this problem the use of safety glasses will be expanded throughout the plant to include all production, maintenance and laboratory areas and all personnel who work or visit these areas.

We will expect each person to wear safety glasses at all times during his working shift except in office, rest or locker room areas. For those who require prescription glasses the company has a program of providing safety frames and lenses.

For those who do not ordinarily wear glasses we maintain a stock of “planos” that can be worn by anyone and can be obtained through his foreman. For those who have a fitting problem we will provide professional help.

We believe this program is a step forward in our continuing efforts to provide an ever safer work place. We look toward full cooperation from all of our Uniroyal Chemical people and the Safety Department is ready to help in any way it can.

Do Safety Glasses Work? The photo above shows what happened when a 1/4″ thick glass bullseye ruptured and flying glass, under great pressure, struck a fellow employee. The safety glasses cracked but did not shatter. Think about what could have happened if he did not have Safety Glasses on.

Here’s a real old timer for you — Naugatuck Chemical 1905. We are told (by an old timer, of course) that the buildings in the center of the picture are #1 and #2 buildings which are still standing. The fence running along the railroad track is located where #7 building is now located. Just about the time this picture was taken, construction was starting on #30 building (the old sulfuric acid facility) which is now the Chemical machine shop.

Two Recent Accidents Mar Record

Here is a brief description of two lost-time accidents which occured during the last week in August…We outline them here in the hope that having read what can happen, you will work with care.

An operator in the pilot plant was running material through a granulator when a cloth being used to contain the dust fell down. When the operator attempted to tuck the cloth back into place, his hand pushed too far into an opening in the back of the machine. The arm on the flywheel caught his left middle finger against the body of the granulator smashing the tip, resulting in a partial amputation.

A truck driver was helping in the loading of 16 inch diameter pipe. Two sections were already on opposite sides of the truck to balance the load. When the truck driver moved to one side of the truck, one section of pipe rolled across the truck body and crushed his right ankle against the other section, causing a fracture.

CLEANER AIR WEEK

[IMAGE: Logo showing “CLEANER” with numbers 12, 9, 3, 6 around it and text “ROUND THE CLOCK”]

OCTOBER 23-29

From an Unexpected Quarter

An old rifle-bought to be part of a firearms collection – went off in the hands of its owner and severely injured a person nearby. No one had even thought to find out whether or not the rifle was loaded!

On the job, we are trained to be on the lookout for all the “normal” hazards. Its the totally unexpected condition that sometimes fools us.

Even if you have the best accident-prevention program in the world, remember this: safety in a department depends largely on the alertness of every individual who works there.

FIRE DEPARTMENT ASKS COOPERATION FOR WINTERIZING

With the thoughts of summer vacation still fresh in our minds and several weeks of pleasant weather still ahead, it may be a little difficult to think seriously about winter weather and freezing temperatures. Our plant fire department, however, has to think about it as this is the time of year when they begin preparing their equipment for winter. Certain valves must be shut – outside sprinkler systems filled with anti-freeze; air valves controlling other outside fire protection piping must be checked to be sure it is in proper working order. All plant structures must be inspected to make sure all openings, broken windows, etc., are closed up. This is where you can help by making sure all windows and doors in your work area are in good condition and above all, make sure they are closed up at night. An open window next to a sprinkler line can cause a freezeup even if the building is heated.

A little preventative care and maintenance by all of us can save a great deal in loss or replacement of vital fire protection.

1967 SAFETY BOX SCORE 8 MONTHS THROUGH AUGUST 31

1967 1966
Lost-Time Injuries 8 12
Serious Injuries 37 40
Total 45 52

The fact that our injuries are somewhat less than last year’s record high total is no reason to relax our safety efforts. In August we doubled our previous total of 4 lost-time injuries. In addition, we had 8 serious injuries and several near-miss incidents.

Near-misses are warnings of something gone wrong! If you had one recently it could as easily have been an accident. Don’t take that chance – work safely.

SALESROOM NOTICE

The employee salesroom on Rubber Avenue has announced a special mattress sale from September 15 through October 13, 1967.

Mattress and box spring

Twin and full size — $ 66.00
Queen size 60×80 — 92.75
King size 72×84 or 76×80 — 133.25

UNIROYAL Chemical
Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770

U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 10
Naugatuck, Conn. 06770

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3, 1969, No. 3 – Page 1

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UNIROYAL CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3 1969 PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL No. 3

NAUGATUCK, LEADER IN RUBBER CHEMICALS

New Curalon Plant Starts Up Will Increase Chemical Sales

[IMAGE: Factory/plant interior with workers and equipment]

Checking operations in the new Curalon plant are l. to r. Anthony Gambardella, Rocco Magnanimo, foreman, and Thurman Walton.

by Harold Smith

The new Curalon plant in Bldg. 17, formerly the Flexzone® and DDM plant, started production recently of Curalon® a new chemical curative used to harden and shape liquid polyurethane elastomers. The polyurethane elastomers have today become a large industry.

Uniroyal Chemical, was a leader in the research and development of the polyure-

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Results Successful In Water Pollution Abatement Program

[IMAGE: Industrial water treatment facility]

One of the three waste water treatment units along the Naugatuck river to provide design information for treatment of waste waters

by Dick Shaw

Uniroyal Chemical completed another major step in its water pollution abatement program with excellent results.

For the past 6 months, extensive engineering efforts have been concentrated on the operation of a waste water treatment model scale plant

(continued on page 3)

[IMAGE: Workers watching bagging operation with “DELAC-S PRILLS” visible on equipment]

Good packaging is essential to good customer service. Left to right, watching the bagging of Delac – S Prills are Jim Heagle and Tom Dowling. John Starr, right, operates the bagger.

by Bob Mazaika

Uniroyal Chemical is the world’s leading manufacturer of rubber chemicals, representing a high percent of the division’s sales. The Chemical division manufactures more than 70 different chemicals for the rubber, plastics and latex industries. 70 percent of these chemicals are made here at the Naugatuck plant. Many are patented, which means only Uniroyal Chemical can make them; but many are not, and sold against strong competition. Recent price cuts have hurt sales and profits and made selling a harder job for the Sales Department. To maintain this position as leader in the industry requires constant research for new chemicals; continued improvement in quality; extra effort on good packaging to improve service to our customers; who are the most important part of our business. Because of dirty, wrong-marked packages and poor quality products, we could lose two or three major customers and lose our position as leader in the industry.

Chemicals made at Naugatuck range from C-P-B, used by golf ball manufacturers to “cure” golf ball covers to Sunproof® waxes to protect tires against sidewall cracking from weather conditions.

Uniroyal offers more accelerators to the rubber industry than any other company such as Trimene,® Methazate, Delac®S, M-B-T-S, Monex,® Tuex,® GMF and Royalac.® These chemicals “cure” the rubber and help shape it into its finished form. Without these accelerators, rubber would be like putty or uncured cement. Accelerators are used to make every type of rubber product from pencil erasers to foam rubber mattresses and automobile tires. GMF® is used in the Minuteman Missile as part of the propellant system.

Naugatuck antioxidants, the best in the industry, protect rubber products from heat and oxygen which cause rubber to deteriorate, discolor, or crumble. For example, BX-A protects the nylon used in tire cord; Polygard® and Naugawhite® keep white products — such as sneakers and footwear — white and prevent the rubber from discoloring. Other well known antioxidants are Octamine, Retarder J and Polylite.

Rubber chemicals constitute the highest cost in every rubber product, and are from two to ten times more expensive on a per-pound basis than any other ingredient used in the finished product. Because of their high cost, customers demand the highest quality chemicals for these prices, otherwise they turn to

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[IMAGE: Person jogging/running in athletic wear]

Naugatuck antioxidants give Pro-Keds jogging shoes quality and longer wear life.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 3 – Page 2

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Page 2 CHEM-TEXTS Vol. 3 No. 3

FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER

DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEE:

Are you a professional? In sports the professional is one whose proficiency and skill enables him to earn his living through his participation. The professional is characterized by his pride in his efforts. In a similar sense, we are professionals earning our living by supplying our customers with chemicals, reclaim, and polymers. But do we always demonstrate the proficiency and skill required in our jobs? Do we have the pride of workmanship characteristic of the professional?

Remember a professional always gives his best and always tries to win. He puts team goals and team effort ahead of his own personal desires. He believes the whole team wins together and he takes pride in realizing that the true recognition for his effort is in the team winning.

The same thing is true in our plant – we all win when we satisfy our customers’ needs in the most efficient manner possible. Anything less than this – we aren’t professionals!

[Signature]

John D. Evans

Chemical Control Center Reviews Quality, Productivity, and Costs

[IMAGE: Sam Gillette, left, listens as Walt Frankenberger, in charge of the Chemical Control Center, reviews the previous day’s production with Jim Cronin, right, superintendent of chemical production.]

by Walt Frankenberger

The Chemical Control Center (CCC) in Chemical Production was established 18 months ago to increase productivity, improve the quality of our products and to decrease costs. The center was set up by Walt Frankenberger who organized the procedures for operating it.

By weekly and daily review of production pounds, quality, and costs, the Center controls productivity and spots downward trends in the plant which require adjustment. The CCC also reviews on a monthly basis the performance against set standards of every chemical made by the plant during the previous month and year to date. This evaluation is based on raw material usage, yield and productivity expressed in pounds per hour. A report is then given to the responsible foreman and process engineer so that corrective action can be taken, if necessary.

For daily control, a daily batch card is used for reporting the date and number of batches made each day. The cards are turned in daily to the center, logged, and sent to EMIC for further processing.

The number of batches for the major chemical products are plotted on control boards, shown in the photo, where they are compared to a set standard and on which a rolling average is maintained. When the number of batches drop below the standard, the person in any business.

73 Employees Awarded $1455 For Suggestions.

Wojtczak Receives $70. Mayo’s Idea Brings $50.

[IMAGE: Looking at the checks awarded for their suggestions are l. to r. Elmer Anderson, Joe Wojtczak, and Bob Lockwood who received a total of $157. for their ideas.]

by Kirk Kirkendall

Suggestions for improving the plant’s overall operations can provide benefits which go beyond the money received for a suggestion award. Contributing suggestions and ideas involves a person in the successful operation of the plant and brings a personal satisfaction to his job. No matter what you may think of your suggestion, don’t hesitate to send it in. It may turn out to be an important one.

73 employees recently received $1,455. for their suggestions out of the 150 suggestions which were reviewed. The highest single award of $50 went to Fred Mayo. Joe Wojtczak received $70 for several suggestions. John Painter, a consistent winner, got $65; Ed Bazenas $55; Al Urban of Reclaim $50 and Bob Lockwood of Synthetic Production $47.50.

Receiving $40 for their suggestions were Fernando Henriques, R. Fratangelo, Ed Semaskvich and Elmer Anderson. Joe Moniz of Reclaim obtained $35 for his idea on improving the cleaning of Sweco screens; J. Gallucci $30 for a safety suggestion, and $30 to W. Anderson, Fred Engle, J. Lawton, J. Wawer and J. Gandolfo.

$25 awards were received by H. Rich, J. Wawer, J. Matcheson, J. Brown, L. foreman gives a detailed explanation of the causes for the lost production.

Since daily control was initiated, rubber chemical production has consistently improved over production prior to September 1968. The quality of rubber chemicals has also improved through the Center’s operation. By improving production and quality, the Center helps to provide better service to our customers, the most important person in any business.

[IMAGE: Fred Mayo received $50. the highest single award. (Photo by Kirkendall)]

Rinaldi, G. Brezak, L. Dumonski and J. Butkus.

$20 awards went to E. Smith and F. Pikula, and J. Butkus and J. Painter.

Thirty-three employees received or split $15 for their

New Curalon

(con’t from page 1.)

thane elastomers; developed the product, Vibrathane, the tradename for our polyurethane elastomers. Our Research and Development technology in rubber chemicals led to the development of Curalon L whose use should grow at a 20 per cent rate annually.

Polyurethane elastomers cured with Curalon possess high resistance to wear and tear and have excellent shock absorption properties. Because of these properties, they are used for grain chute linings, industrial truck tires, gears, mountings and printing rolls where they outlast rubber 3 to 4 times longer.

Project engineers of the new plant were Neil Klarfeld and Jim Garrigan. Lou Kaiser is the process engineer, responsible for the manufacturing operation.

ideas: Lois Devino, C. Iannuzzi, F. Maher, A. Hanley, Ray Gogolewski, J. Hoey, J. Mahoney, J. Lynch, K. Urbsaitis, N. Tiscione, A. Krampetz, G. Monahan, J. Banno, R. Ruginis, D. Pardal, B. Zukauskas, J. Grosso, E. Johnson, R. O’Neil, E. Root, J. Objinski, A. J. Happy, R. Bell, T. Ciarello, J. Slasienski, J. Lynch, A. Gedraitis, G. Ravenscroft, C. Parks, R. Steward, Laura Soares, V. Kloc – Bob Lockwood, and L. Haas – J. Wawer.

Honorable Mentions, which automatically bring a $15 award for the third suggestion submitted, went to J. Mahoney, F. Dingle, P. Masone, H. F. Carroll, M. Hebert, B. Pranulis, R. Lestage, E. Anderson, J. Wojtczak, F. Henriques, C. Miele, J. Lawton, F. Phelan, J. Butkus (2), J. Painter, K. D. Nelson, R. O’Neil, C. Hiser – D. Cleary, G. Brezak and L. Reeser.

Every suggestion submitted receives serious consideration by the Suggestion Awards Committee. Some suggestions require more time to study than others to evaluate them, which is oftentimes the reason for some delay. Suggestions worthy of consideration are any that increase production, improve quality, eliminate duplication or waste, improve packaging, simplify your work procedure, eliminate paper work, improve customer service, reduce costs, improve production, and better our safety conditions.

Suggestion forms are available around the plant. If unavailable, your Foreman or Supervisor will be glad to obtain them for you.

Save Your Blood For June 12

by Bob Shortt

June 12 has been reserved as Uniroyal Chemical’s day for blood donations. Because of its convenient facilities, the Bloodmobile will be held at St. Michael’s Parish House in Naugatuck. Our quota is 150 pints.

Employees have donated generously since the visits started in 1957 when 190 pints were given. Since then, we have averaged about 170 pints each visit.

Blood is in great demand today. By contributing, you can help be sure that blood is available for you or your family. Let’s try for the 190 pints again.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 3 – Page 3

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CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3 No. 3 | Page 3

KNOW YOUR BENEFITS: by Marion Hutt

Uniroyal’s Paid Vacation Benefits Comparable To Best In Industry

The entire vacation policy for wage employees is too lengthy to reproduce here but the following are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Q. How much vacation am I entitled to receive?

A. Employees will receive vacations based on their seniority with the Company on Dec. 31 of the prior calendar year, as follows:

1 year. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 weeks
5 years. . . . . . . . . . . . 3 weeks
15 years . . . . . . . . . . . 4 weeks
22 years . . . . . . . . . . . 5 weeks
30 years or more . . . . 6 weeks

Q. How much vacation pay do I receive?

A. Those entitled to a vacation of:
2 weeks . . . . . . 4% of earnings
3 weeks . . . . . . 6% of earnings

(continued on page 4)

UNIROYAL, INC. FIRST QUARTER SALES AND NET INCOME SET RECORD HIGH

Uniroyal, Inc., set new records in sales and net income for the first quarter of 1969, George R. Vila, chairman and president, reported at the annual meeting of stockholders.

Sales for the quarter were $368.8 million, an increase of 9.3 percent compared with $337.4 million for the same period last year and the highest for any first quarter in Uniroyal’s history.

Net income was $12.5 million, another record for a first quarter. This compares with $12.1 million during the first quarter of 1968.

First quarter earnings were equivalent to 44 cents a share of common stock compared with 43 cents a share last year.

The new record in earnings was achieved despite inflationary trends in the economy and high start-up expenses for an unusually large number of new plants coming on stream worldwide, Mr. Vila said.

During the next five years, Uniroyal has programmed capital expenditures of more than $600 million. During 1969, expenditures will be $150 million compared to more than $100 million in 1968. Heavier capital expenditures, Mr. Vila said, are necessary to keep pace with expanding economies around the world as well as to gain maximum benefits from new products from Uniroyal’s research and development laboratories.

Naugatuck Leader . . .

(continued from page 1)

competitive companies for the quality and service. Major competitors in the rubber chemical market are well known large chemical companies like Monsanto, du Pont, R.T. Vanderbilt and American Cyanamid.

Our rubber chemical business started more than fifty years ago as a producer of sulfuric acid for the brass industry in the Waterbury area. Today, Uniroyal Chemical supplies 25% of the total rubber chemicals used in the rubber and plastics industry. Practically every automobile tire manufactured, contains one of Uniroyal’s chemicals. In the past ten years, sales have doubled and, depending on the rubber and plastic industries’ growth, sales are expected to continue at this growth rate.

Interestingly, our rubber chemical technology was the base from which our present agricultural chemical business developed with the introduction of Spergon and Thiram seed protectants. Agricultural chemicals like MH-30,® Alar,® Aramite,® Omite,® Alanap® and Dyanap® have become an important part in the Division’s growth.

Today our list of rubber chemical customers include such companies as Goodyear, Firestone, General Tire, Armstrong Tire, Cooper Tire, Dunlop and many other large companies, all important to our rubber chemical business. With good quality products, properly marked, clean packages, and good customer service, they’ll continue to do business with us. Each of us in our own way, by doing our jobs in the best possible way, makes certain that we keep our valued customers.

Hold That Tiger; Keep Chained!

PLACE CYLIN HE

[IMAGE: John Sickola Jr. of the Materials Handling department chains full cylinder “tigers” securely in place.]

Stories of jet-propelled gas cylinders are common, but this one did so much damage in a few seconds that it deserves mention because the same thing could happen in our plant.

A CO₂ cylinder without a cap was being moved across an airplane hangar floor. It fell; the valve broke off; and the cylinder took off, tore through several airplane wings, broke off sprinkler heads which started a flood, destroyed equipment, went through a concrete wall and finally ended its wild, damaging flight outside. Damage cost $500,000.

This type of accident is not restricted to CO cylinders. Any compressed gas in a cylinder: freon, oxygen, air, acetylene, nitrogen or chlorine, will react in the same way. Many of these cylinders are stored throughout the plant.

It is especially important, in the plant, that all compressed gas cylinders be kept in retaining racks and secured at all times. When not in use, mixing valves and gauges should be removed, and the protective caps put back on. Keep cylinders chained. Don’t turn a tiger loose in the plant.

Spring Tire Sale Ends On May 29

A Special Spring Employee Tire Sale will run from March 31 through May 29. Employee prices will be substantially below regular prices on tires for cars, small trucks, campers and trailers.

A feature of the sale will be the new Uniroyal Master with different front and rear tires for better steering and traction, a steel reinforced tread and a 40,000 mile guarantee.

Also included in the sale are the Uniroyal “Fat Max”, “Alley Cat” Tiger Paw, Wide Tiger Paw, Tiger Paw and the Laredo “Rain Tire”.

This will be the only sale on these tires this year.

Slips can be obtained from Industrial Relations: Ann McAllister, Synthetic plant nurse: Luella Anderson TSSC; and Rosalie Tolbert, EMIC.

[IMAGE: Practically every tire on the road contains a Naugatuck chemical to protect it against heat build-up and give longer service life.]

What Employees Say About Safety

Q. What do you think of the safety attitude of the people at Uniroyal?

A. Dom George says, “The Company is making every effort to improve the attitude of the people in the plant. Some still haven’t got the message and don’t seem to care. The best reason in the world to be safe is my family and to make a good living for them.”

A. Roland Bergeron says: “I work in many different areas of the plant and I think the safety attitude of most people in the plant is pretty good. But some people don’t seem to care about safety at all. They don’t use common sense. They don’t wear their safety glasses, hard hats, or proper protective equipment for the job.

The plant should stress to employees through more movies and discussions on what could happen in a chemical plant if employees aren’t safe, especially when handling the different types of chemicals. Some of our people think that a serious accident couldn’t happen here as in other chemical plants, so they often take a lax attitude toward safety.

Results Successful . . .

(continued from page 1)

which has provided the technology essential to the design of an adequate and economical full-scale treatment facility for the waste waters generated by the plant’s manufacturing.

The model scale plant studies and results were reported to the Water Resources Commission and reviewed at a meeting attended by Mayor Raytkwich of Naugatuck and representatives of Malcolm Pirnie Engineers, the Water Resources Commission and Uniroyal Chemical. The plans were recently approved by Hartford.

Uniroyal and Borough officials are now able to proceed to establish agreements which will form the basis for proceeding with design of the municipal water pollution control facilities and for Uniroyal to proceed with the design of waste water pretreatment facilities.

Dick Shaw project engineered the new plant, assisted by Steve Schwartz who has been exploring the possibility of recovering discharged materials for reuse.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 3 – Page 4

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Page 4 CHEM-TEXTS Vol. 3 No. 3

Valentine, Amador, Sears, Spina Retire. Total 138 Years Service.

[PHOTO]

Bert Scullin makes Val Valentine, center, and his daughter, Mrs. Joseph Wojtczak Jr. chuckle at retirement dinner honoring Val for his 36 years service. (Kirkendall photo)

[PHOTO]

Manuel Amador, left, is congratulated by Joe Rzeszutek, President URW, Local 218, on his retirement from Reclaim Production. Amador had 41 years service with Uniroyal. (Kirkendall photo)

[PHOTO]

Joe Arbachauskas, URW president, Local 308 congratulates Norm Sears, center, on his retirement after 43 years, as Tom Gambardella watches. Standing are Jack Muckle, left and Bob Curtin.

“That’s The Way We Always Did It”

Have you ever asked why something was done in a certain way, only to be told, “Because that’s the way we always did it”?

Perhaps the classic example of this kind of senseless and stubborn adherence to precedent occurred when Bismark was ambassador to the court of Alexander II. Looking out a window of the Peterhof Palace, in 1860, Bismark noticed a sentry standing watch in the middle of the lawn and idly asked the Czar why the man was there. The Czar asked an aid-decamp. He didn’t know. The general commanding the troops at the palace was summoned. He didn’t know either.

“Then find out why and report to me,” commanded the Czar.

It took three days of intensive investigation, but finally the general came back with the answer.

It seemed that in 1780, on a fine spring morning, Catherine the Great had looked out the window and had seen the first flower thrusting above the frozen grass. She had ordered a sentry posted there to prevent anyone from picking the flower or inadvertently stepping on it. And eighty years later, the sentry was still there. No one had ever asked that simple, one-word question: “Why?”

DOM SPINA RETIRES

Domenic Spina retired from the Synthetic Mechanical department after 18 years service with Uniroyal Chemical.

Safety Glasses Replaced Free, But Not Your Eyesight

[PHOTO]

Kevin Kelley of the Research and Development department, while performing development work in Bldg. 61 laboratory, had a close call when the unexpected happened.

Kevin was using a regular gallon jug in a dry ice and acetone bath to make a 50 percent caustic solution. The temperature differential caused the jug to burst and the contents spilled onto the dry ice and covered the upper portion of his body and his eyes. Fortunately, he was wearing his safety glasses and prevented serious injury to his eyesight.

By being safe at work and wearing the proper protective equipment for the job, serious accidents are avoided. Your unsafe act may not hurt you, but it could seriously injure one of your fellow employees.

Purchase Of 1 Bond And 1 Share Per Employee, Bond Drive Goal

During May employees will have the opportunity to purchase U.S. Savings Bonds and Freedom Shares conveniently through payroll deductions. The goal for the 1969 drive is the purchase of one Bond and one Share by each employee. Presently 37% of our employees participate in the Payroll Savings Plans for U.S. Bonds, compared to a Uniroyal average of 52%.

The Payroll Savings Plan offers an opportunity for systematic savings to save for a secure future in one of the world’s safest, and most broadly effective, investment programs. Through systematic, easy thrift deductions you watch your savings grow automatically.

Purchase of U.S. Savings Bonds protects against inflation, keeps our economy stable and our dollar sound. Savings Bonds involve you actively in helping the Government stop inflation, a major economic problem facing all of us today.

This safe and economical investment is exempt from state and local income taxes. Payment of federal income tax on E bond interest may be deferred until the bonds are redeemed. 70% of Savings Bonds purchasers do not redeem them until age 65. In this way, the tax liability could be greatly reduced and possibly eliminated.

For only $39 you receive $50. through the purchase of a Series E Bond ($18.75 and redeemable in 7 years) and a Freedom Share ($20.25 and redeemable in 4½ years). By purchase of only one Bond and one Share, you can start a good systematic savings plan for yourself and your family.

Heading this year’s drive as Chairman will be Bill Lavelle of the Industrial Relations Department.

Know Your Benefits . . .

(con’t. from page 3)

4 weeks . . . . . . 8% of earnings
5 weeks . . . . . 10% of earnings
6 weeks . . . . . 12% of earnings

Q. Do I receive any vacation this year if I was hired 2 months ago: e.g. March 1969?
A. No, but you are eligible for vacation pay on your 1st. anniversary of your employment.

Q. If I am eligible for vacation, do I have to take the time off?
A. Yes, employees with 2 weeks vacation eligibility must take the 2 weeks.

Q. Am I allowed to receive vacation pay in lieu of time off?

A. Wage employees eligible for vacation weeks in excess of scheduled plant shutdowns or 2 weeks, whichever is greater, may at their request and with the approval of management, receive vacation pay instead of time off, up to maximum of 2 weeks. Election to receive in lieu of payment must be made no later than September 15 of the year in which taken.

If you have any questions about your vacation time, or pay, your foreman or supervisor will be glad to help you. Or you can consult your Union Contract booklet for fuller details.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

CHEM TEXTS

PUBLISHED BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL, NAUGATUCK, CONN. 06770

EDITOR: W.F. Lavelle.

UNIROYAL Chemical
Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770

U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 10
Naugatuck, Conn. 06770

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 4 – Page 2

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Page 002

CHEM-TEXTS

Page 2 | Vol. 3 No. 4

FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER

DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEE:

All of us are aware of the importance of producing quality products in an efficient and safe manner. We are also aware of the importance of providing service to our customers, for only through the sale of the results of our effort can we be paid for this effort. I am convinced that each of us tries to do his job in the best way.

But how do we see our jobs? Is our particular job over, when we feel that somebody other than ourselves can be blamed for poor performance?

For example, is it justifiable to blame our injury on someone else if, indeed, it was an unsafe act on our part? Or, is it reasonable to blame lost production on the shortage of raw materials if we didn’t do something about it? Maybe we are all too quick to place the blame on someone else, before we accept all of our own responsibilities.

Together, we operate a very complex operation where each employee bears a great deal of responsibility for his personal efforts, and if we are fully successful a great deal of responsibility for the efforts of others.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

John D. Evans

Flood, Disaster Plan Revised

[IMAGE: Black and white photograph showing flooded area with building]

The Naugatuck River became the “mad river” in August 1955 and flooded the plant. Having a plan for action got the plant back into operation in two days.

The purpose of the revised Plan, which has been distributed to involved employees, is to minimize delay and confusion if an unusual or serious incident occurs, such as the August flood of 1955, and to delegate responsibilities to assigned personnel.

If an emergency occurs, the Control Center for operations will be set up in the Industrial Relations office, Bldg. 84, unless circumstances require another location. The Plan outlines the utilization of all equipment in the plant and the specific duties to be carried out by authorized personnel. It also delegates to Ron Mitchinson, Fred Wintsch, Bob Krause, and Bill Lavelle the responsibility and authority, as the plant’s public information representatives, to provide information to the press. All employees should refer requests on information of the emergency to the plant’s public information representatives to prevent damaging rumors and in-

(Continued on Page 4)

Explorers Offer Students Career Insight

by Bob Smith

The Explorers offer high school boys, 14 to 18 years old, the opportunity to see and learn about careers in science, chemistry, and industry. The group, sponsored by the Chemical plant, was the first Explorer Post in Uniroyal.

The Explorers conduct laboratory experiments in the plant’s laboratory facilities; take tours of industrial plants in the area to see first hand the manufacturing operation of a large company; and make weekend trips to universities, military installations and other places of interest to high school students. By exploring or seeing scientific operations; observing chemistry in action; and studying the engineering complexity of a synthetic rubber plant, a high school student obtains an actual insight into the type of career to pursue in life.

This year the group visited Scovill’s, Mallory Battery, Sikorsky Aircraft, Uniroyal Chemical’s Agricultural Research Center, the E.M.I.C. Computer Center, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

If your son is interested in a career in science, chemistry or industry, and would like to join the Explorers, Bob Smith, Ext. 674, will be glad to give you more details on the group’s activities.

[IMAGE: Group photograph of committee members]

Committee members discuss plans for future activities. Seated, left to right, are Bruce Fisher, Bob Smith, chairman, and Steve Schwartz. Standing are Harry Jancis, left, and Bert Scullin. Not present were Tom O’Hara, Al Manzi, Ed McCaffrey, Bill Broden, Ken Ferreira, Ben Leach and Dick Savage.

[IMAGE: Group working on science project]

Working on a science project are, left to right, seated, Art Nunes, Dick Adamaitis, and Lou Stephenson. Standing, left to right, are Frank Cravo, George Louis Jr., Armando Pardal, Nat Vescera, and Steve Schwartz, advisor.

Safety Shows Small Improvement Over ’68

by Sal Aloise

The plant’s safety record for the first four months of 1969 shows that 7 lost time accidents and 14 serious injuries took place. Although a slight improvement over 1968, the record indicates that a greater safety awareness by every employee is required to make the plant a safer place to work.

By not taking chances; by stopping unsafe acts; accidents can be prevented and the plant made safer for work. In 1968 we worked 1,000,000 manhours without a lost time accident. With every employee’s effort, we can reach 1,000,000 manhours again . . . and even 2,000,000!

LOST TIME ACCIDENTS AND SERIOUS INJURIES

MONTH 1969 Lost Time Serious Injuries Total 1968 Lost Time Serious Injuries Total
January 2 2 4 2 2 4
February 2 5 7 3 5 8
March 2 3 5 2 6 8
April 1 4 5 2 6 8
TOTAL 7 14 21 9 19 28

Dividend Declared

Uniroyal declared a dividend of 17½ cents a share on the common stock. A $2 dividend on the 8% first preferred stock was also announced. Both are payable June 25 to stockholders of record May 26.

Dr. Williams Leaves

Dr. Edward E. Williams will leave us as plant physician at the end of May.

Dr. John P. Elser will assume the duties of plant physician on June 1.

Dr. Williams has been associated with the Chemical plant for the past 35 years. He plans to continue his private practice in Naugatuck.

The average American family wastes about 400 lbs. of edible food in a year. The country wastes over 10 million tons of food each year.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 4 – Page 3

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CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3 No. 4 Page 3

KNOW YOUR BENEFITS:

by W. B. Kirkendall

Some Questions and Answers On Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB)

The SUB plan provides additional income security to wage employees during periods of involuntary unemployment. The benefits are payable to eligible employees from a trust fund established by the Company and is financed by contributions of 6 cents per hour for each hour employees receive pay from the Company. The purpose of the plan is to supplement the local State System Benefits and not to replace or duplicate them.

Q. When am I eligible?

A. You must have at least 10½ months of seniority at the time of a layoff to be eligible and at least a year of seniority at the time you apply for SUB benefits to be eligible to receive a benefit.

TYPES OF BENEFITS

Q. What type of benefits are there?

A. 1. Regular benefit: payable to employees on one or more complete weeks of total layoff from the Company.

  1. Special short week benefit: payable to employees who did some work for the Company during the week or otherwise compensated for a scheduled work day but who are still considered unemployed by the State because of low earnings.
  2. Automatic short week benefit – payable to employees who worked for the Company during the week or otherwise compensated for a scheduled work day and are considered employed by the State but whose hours worked or made available to them were less than the hours in their normal work week.
  3. Separation payments: payable to employees on long term (usually at least one year) layoff in return for the surrender of their benefit and recall rights.

Q. How many benefits am I eligible for?

A. You may receive as many as 52 benefits in a benefit year if you have sufficient credit units. Furthermore, benefits may extend for periods beyond a year depending on your seniority and credit units. You accrue one-half a credit unit for each work- week for which you receive company pay.

PROCEDURES AND CONDITIONS

Q. What are the procedures and conditions for SUB?

A. These are the procedures and conditions which must be met in order to qualify for SUB payments during long or short term layoffs:

  1. Regular benefits: employees must report to the Industrial Relations Dept. and the State Unemployment Compensation office for each week that benefits are claimed. You must have your State check recorded at the Industrial Relations Dept. where the amount will be recorded on your SUB application form and sent to the Control Dept. to process your SUB check.
  2. Automatic short work week: SUB is payable without reporting to the State Unemployment Compensation office only if the employee’s earnings, or possible earnings (available hours) exceed $104.50 and he has had less than 40 hours available to him for the week.
  3. Special short week benefit: an employee earning less than $104.50 and having less than 40 hours work available to him in a given week, must report to the Industrial Relations Dept. and the State Unemployment Compensation office in order to qualify for SUB.

If you have any further questions on SUB benefits, your foreman or supervisor will be glad to help provide answers to them. Feel free to call on him if you need an explanation of the SUB benefits.

NOTE: The next issue of CHEM-TEXTS will continue this article on SUB benefits.

Report Address Changes

If you have changed your name or address recently, it is important that you notify Molly Cobbol. Industrial Relations Dept. Ext. 218. In this way you will be certain that your personnel records are kept up to date.

You will also be sure to receive Uniroyal World, CHEM-TEXTS, the plant newspaper, dividend checks, Benefit statements, and other important messages from Uniroyal, Inc., and the Chemical Plant.

UNIROYAL STORES OFFER DISCOUNTS

[IMAGE: Storefront showing “UNIROYAL HOME & AUTO CENTER”]

Bristol store is one of four Uniroyal stores in the area.

Four Uniroyal stores and Tire centers conveniently located in the area offer employees good discounts on radio and TV sets, home appliances, power tools, lawn mowers, bicycles, tires, batteries, accessories, and a complete line of automobile service work.

Merchandise includes the full line of Admiral TV sets; AM and FM radios; Frigidaire appliances from refrigerators to air conditioners; Ram power tools; Murray lawn mowers; and Uniroyal bicycles.

Stores are located in the Bristol Plaza, Rte. 6; Norwalk, Rte. 1 (Boston Post Road); Conn. Post Shopping Center. Rte. 1 (Boston Post Road); and the Amity Shopping Center, Rte. 63.

Shopping center rules restrict the merchandise of some stores, so it is advisable to check the store first before your visit.

Foremen’s Club Awards $250 Scholarship

[IMAGE: Photo showing Phil Paul, right, awards scholarship to Kathleen Kelly. Watching, left to right, are Jim Phelan and her father, Joe. Kathleen had a 99 mark in mathematics in her senior year.]

by Phil Paul

Lou Kaiser, Foremen’s Club president, announced the selection of Kathleen Kelly for the $250 scholarship award. Miss Kelly, a senior at Sacred Heart High School is the daughter of Joe Kelly in the Distribution/Scheduling department.

Phil Paul was chairman of the scholarship committee, with Tom Dowling and Jim Phelan serving as committee members. The scholarship is awarded annually to a son or daughter of a Uniroyal Chemical employee.

Miss Kelly won the award for her excellent scholastic record and her participation in school and church activities. Kathleen intends to attend Emmanuel College, majoring in mathematics and plans a teaching career after graduation.

She was named a Connecticut State Scholar, an honor based upon rank in class, college board scores and her four year scholastic record.

Vacation Special Fly To Bermuda

A vacation special to Bermuda from August 10-17 is offered employees, their families and friends.

For $309 the tour includes round trip fare via Eastern Airlines jet, air-conditioned twin-bedrooms with private bath at the beautiful Castle Harbor Hotel, full breakfasts and gourmet dinners daily, a sizzle party, and one round of golf on the hotel’s 18-hole course.

Fifty seats have been reserved on the August 10 flight leaving Kennedy at 10:15 A.M., and arriving in Bermuda at 1:08 P.M. Contact Barbara Stone, Footwear Plant, Ext. 18-469.

Safety Belts Save Lives

[IMAGE: Photo of Kay Dowling fastening a safety belt in a car]

Kay Dowling, a secretary in Chemical Production, fastens safety belt to fit comfortably and snug. With vacation time here, more drivers will be on the road. Protect your life and your family’s life with safety belts.

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CHEM-TEXTS

Page 4 | Vol. 3 No. 4

Room Of Tomorrow Made From Urethane Plastic Foam By Research And Development

The carved panels, rough hewn walls, beams, and the antique chest look like the most expensive, hand-carved woods. But they are made from urethane plastic foam, a unique plastic product developed by Rubicon Chemicals, a joint venture of Uniroyal Chemical and Imperial Chemical Industries of England. The principle materials used in making foam are liquid polyols, an organic isocyanate, catalysts, an emulsifier and a blowing agent.

The basic raw materials, TDI and MDI are marketed by the Chemical division’s sales department, with Walt Cook in charge of sales. Breaking into a new and highly competitive market, sales started slowly but during the past year have shown a steady increase.

The Rubicon research work is done in Building 75 where exciting new uses for this product are being developed to open new markets for Uniroyal Chemical. Urethane foam is a lightweight, yet tough, abrasive-resistant material. It is non-aging, odorless, non-allergenic, non-toxic, mold and mildew proof.

It can be made into soft, springy seat cushions or an impact-absorbing crash pad for automobile instrument panels. With such versatile physical properties, the foam has found uses in many different industries including furniture, automotive, appliance, textile, mattresses, carpeting, construction and packaging.

Group leader of the Rubicon research laboratory, is Tom Haggerty. Other members in the group are Fred Kenyon, from Imperial Chemical Industries of England, Ray Allen, Jim McGinn, Ralph Fusco, Paul Ulrickson and Barry Nelson.

FLOOD DISASTER

(Continued from Page 2)

accurate reports on the situation.

For efficient execution of the Plan, non-authorized employees (those without a silver star on the pass) are requested to remain away from the plant to prevent congestion of the streets with cars and avoid interference with emergency equipment.

Employees should listen to their local radio stations to learn whether they should report to work or not.

A trial run of the Plan will be held in the Synthetic and Chemical plants.

Appointments Announced

Ed Geise has been appointed Director of Marketing for the Chemical Division.

Bob Knapp heads the Research and Development group for Plastics.

Bill Coughlin was appointed Manager of Market Development for the division.

Joe Flannery is now General Product Manager.

Ed Saunders became Distribution/Scheduling Manager for the division.

Alex Nole was made Customer Service Supervisor.

Allan Murray transferred to the Colloids Development section as Senior Research Scientist.

Lou Kaiser joined the plant’s Engineering Pollution Control group.

[IMAGE CAPTION]: Urethane foam for seat cushioning being cut to size in the Rubicon laboratory, Building 75.

[IMAGE CAPTION]: The Room of Tomorrow conceived by the Research and Development department is made from urethane plastic foam. This exciting new material opens new markets for the Chemical Division.

Mal Wilson And Jack Person Retire

[IMAGE CAPTION]: Mal Wilson, center, is congratulated on his retirement from the Materials Flow department after 25 years by left to right, Lucy DiStefano, Michele DeBiase, Lorraine Grant and Jean Kelley.

[IMAGE CAPTION]: Jack Person, left, is congratulated by Bob Van Allen, superintendent of reclaim production on his retirement from the reclaimed rubber group after 22 years’ service.

Long Weekend, Drive Safely

This year, the Fourth of July falls on Friday making it a long weekend. It is estimated that more than 600 people will be killed on highways or other accidents.

When driving, drive defensively, expect the other driver to do something wrong; use your seat belts; drive slowly. Your life and your family’s depend upon your safe driving.

CHEM TEXTS

PUBLISHED BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL, NAUGATUCK, CONN. 06770
EDITOR: W.F. Lavelle

UNIROYAL Chemical
Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770

U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 10
Naugatuck, Conn. 06770

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3, 1969, No. 5 – Page 1

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UNIROYAL CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3, 1969 | PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL | No. 5

Good Housekeeping Prevents Plant Fires; Improves Safety, Morale, Product Quality

by Ed Weaving

What does good housekeeping mean? The words lead to thoughts first about your home or apartment. Every person prefers a clean, orderly, attractive and safe

the plant is the result of persons working together and having a care and pride in their work area, equipment and operations. As stockholders in Uniroyal – 63% of the Chemical employees

care and pride in something owned by us.

In the plant, good housekeeping means materials are neatly packaged and palleted; the work area and equipment is kept clean; and the aisles

and care for the quality of products made in the plant; leads to waste; and endangers the safety of other persons in the plant.

If a person acted as if he owned the business, his care

energies, efforts and creative talents have helped to make the plant successful in producing quality products to meet our customers’ needs.

Fire prevention and safety go hand in hand with good housekeeping. In well-kept areas, the possibility of fire is minimized; safety is improved; and work more enjoyable. In the event of a fire or an emergency the fire department can handle the situation more efficiently if the area is not obstructed by drums and pallets in the aisles. Every second is vital to the fire department’s effectiveness, but if an area is blocked, their efforts are hampered and a small incident may become a major one.

The Naugatuck plant, in a sense, belongs to every employee, whether he’s a stockholder or not. Sales, profits and job security depend upon the ability to produce quality products against major competitive companies. Good housekeeping helps do this. It prevents fires; improves safety conditions; and makes the plant a better place to work. The plant’s progress and goals for the year depends greatly on how well employees care for good housekeeping — it’s a vital factor in every operation of the plant.

BEFORE photo shows trash accumulation in front of Locker area. Nearby are 3 cans for trash disposal.

AFTER photo shows how good housekeeping makes the plant a better and cleaner place to work.

home for himself, his family and friends to an unclean, disorderly and unkempt one. But it requires work, time, and, mostly, care.

Good housekeeping in

belong to the Stock Purchase Plan – helping to keep the plant and equipment, tools and machinery in good condition is more than a mere responsibility. It’s taking good

are kept free from hoses, drums and trash. A clean work area makes work more pleasant, improves safety, morale, and quality. A dirty work area shows a lack of concern

for good housekeeping in his work area would be of major concern to him. Even employees who do not own Uniroyal stock have an important stake in the plant. Their time,

BEFORE, this basement storage room created a fire hazard, with bags, drums, and boxes strewn around the area.

AFTER, fire hazards are minimized, and safety is improved by good housekeeping.

Materials are neatly sorted in yard, showing care for safety and good housekeeping.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 5 – Page 2

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CHEM-TEXTS

Page 2 | Vol. 3 No. 5

FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER

Dear Fellow Employee:

During our nation’s space program RELIABILITY has become a common everyday word. Individual parts, in-fact entire systems human as well as mechanical, are tested and retested to make certain that there are no failures at critical times. This, then, is the essence of RELIABILITY — no failures at critical times.

While each of us appreciates the importance of RELIABILITY in space, we often lose sight of its equal importance right here in our plant. Each and everyone of us is a key man or woman. Everyone must function, with complete RELIABILITY to get the job done properly.

Let’s check our own RELIABILITY right now. Each of us should ask ourself what is my RELIABILITY on:

  1. Job Performance
  2. Safety Performance
  3. Housekeeping Performance
  4. Attendance Performance

What’s your RELIABILITY? Each of us can improve. Each of us must improve.

Sincerely,

John D. Evans

Hugh Garahan’s Eyesight Saved By Wearing His Safety Glasses

Hugh Garahan, center, points happily to his safety glasses which saved injury to his eyes. At left is Wes Carreiro and right, Ed Runowicz, foreman.

While removing the mixing head from equipment in the Roylar pilot plant, Hugh Garahan’s eyes were splashed by hot MDI which could have damaged his eyesight severely. Residual pressure had built up in the line and when Hugh disconnected the head, the MDI gushed out forcefully and covered his safety glasses completely. Fortunately, Hugh was wearing his safety glasses at the time and prevented serious injury to his eyes by expecting the unexpected happening. The photo at right shows his glasses.

Hot MDI completely covered Garahan’s safety glasses. Wearing them saved his eyesight.

Employees Contribute 128 Pints Of Blood To Bloodmobile Visit

Waiting their turn to contribute blood are left to right, John Paige, Pete Welch, Bernie Daily, Jim Sullivan, and Jim Doran. (Kirkendall photo).

The Connecticut Red Cross Bloodmobile made its annual visit to Uniroyal Chemical and received 128 pints of blood from employees, with nine rejections. Three employees arrived too late to contribute.

A 3-gallon pin was received by Richard Valentine. One-gallon pins went to Leo Brites, Joe Jokubaitis, Pete Lazaras, Walt Madura, Gerald Monahan, Ed Semaskwich and Harold Smith.

Other contributors were Bill Albaitis, Steve Alper, Rod Ashby, Ed Bates, Benoit Begin, John Bickerdike, Joe Biernacki, Dave Boulanger, Pete Braudis, Bob Breton, Jean Burke, Lucille Butnor, Tom Byra, Walter Campbell, Frank Carriero, Maurice Chamberland, James Chambers, Frank Chiodo, Dan Cleary, Dennis Cormier, Bob Cornell, Al Crandall, Bob Cranney, John Cronan, Austin Cross, Ted Curzi, Bernie Daily, Phil Dillon, Karen Di-Dominzio, J. Harry Donald, Jim Doran, Elliott Easterbrook, Bertha Eggleston, Sylvia Famiglietti, Bob Farrell, Joe Finke, Ed Fischer, Tom Fitzgerald, Harry Francolini, Walter Frankenberger, Bert Frennesson, Ferdinand Gagne, Mike Galante, John Gandolfo, Al Gedraitis, Norm Gibbs, John Gilbert, Walt Gnizdowski, Phil Haas, Jim Hartley, Bob Harsch, Mike Heller, Gerald Hennessey, Dick Hessler, Bill Hill, Clarence Hiser, Joe Hocheiser, Henry Hook, Don Houde, Keith Hughes, Bill Hutt, Mike Jasman, Ed Johnson, Gerald Klender, Lou Lakatos, Ben Leach, Tom Lee, Jim Loman, Len Lombardi, Frank Maffia, Milt Makoski, Tony Malone, Rocco Manulla, Mike Marinaccio, Manuel Matos, Ron Mitchinson, June Moore, Roland Morel, Phil Morin, Charles Moruska, John Nappiello, Jonas Narijauskas, Francis Nauiokas, Alex Nole, Tom O’Hara, Lee Owens, John Painter, Dick Palizay, Sherman Paul, Violet Pisani, Julius Rek, Jim Reynolds, L. Rice,

(cont’d. on page 3)

Appointments Announced

Norm Gibbs has been assigned the responsibility for General Accounting, Accounts Payable, and Office Services.

Don Turner was appointed General Accountant.

Walt Beerbaum was made Accounts Payable Supervisor.

Reclaim Exceeds 300,000 Lbs.

by Bob VanAllen

Members of reclaim production deserve recognition for their production of 349,310 pounds of reclaim rubber on June 11. Starting with the 7-3 shift on June 10, the 3-11 shift continued the production schedule started on the first shift, and the 11-7 shift on Thursday topped the 300,000 pounds goal for the first time since the modernization of the reclaim plant.

From raw stock to the finished product in the millrooms every department and person played an important role in attaining this high performance which demonstrates a capability that can make reclaim a competitive operation.

During the period of modernization, the reclaim plant had been severely upset due to the necessity to maintain production while rebuilding the facilities.

To operate the reclaim plant successfully, every person associated with the operation must strive to achieve the kind of performance demonstrated on June 11. This type of performance is the best to assure our jobs.

349,310
6-11-69

Some of the people of the three shifts in the Reclaim Production departments who helped top 300,000 lbs. production of reclaimed rubber are clockwise: Carlos Aresta, Maria Matos, Herminio Ortiz, Minic Brown, JohnHickson,Frank Rodrigues, Americo Henriques, Antonio Pereira, Joe Rzeszutek, Mike Chropcho,hidden in rear, John Zavednak and Tom Armstrong.

Bloodmobile Visit…Wednesday, July 30, 1969…St. Michael’s Parish House…12:15 to 6:15 P.M.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 5 – Page 3

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Vol. 3 No. 5 CHEM-TEXTS Page 3

KNOW YOUR BENEFITS: by W. Kirkendall

Some Questions and Answers on Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB)

This is a continuation of the SUB article which appeared in the last issue of Chem-Texts. The examples show how to estimate your SUB benefits based upon your earnings for a 40 hour week.

The benefits are payable to an eligible wage employee from a trust fund established by Uniroyal and is financed by the Company’s contribution of 6 cents per hour for each hour an employee receives pay from the Company.

Q. What are some examples of SUB payments?

A. REGULAR BENEFIT:
If an employee’s average straight time hourly earnings are $3.75, his weekly straight time earnings would be $150.00. 80% of his weekly straight time earnings are $120.00. Less the State Unemployment Compensation of $75.00 the SUB benefit due the employee is $45.00. The minimum regular benefit payable under all circumstances is $10.00. The minimum shall apply even when the calculation for benefit is zero.

EXAMPLES:
SPECIAL SHORT WEEK BENEFIT:
1. Employee’s normal work week:……………………40 hours
2. Total compensated and hours available:………….24 hours
3. Total short hours:…………………………16 hours
4. Total wages paid:………………………….$87.60
5. Employee’s ESSEL:…………………………$104.50

Special Benefit
80% x $3.65 x 16 = $46.72
Av. Hr. Earn. Short Hrs.
Less State U.C. check:…………………………11.00
Outside earnings:……………………………..0
Special benefit……………………………..$35.72

Regular Benefit
80% of gross pay $146.00……………………..= $116.80
Less State U.C………………………………11.00
Company earnings…………………………….87.60
Regular Benefit…………………………….$18.20

In this case the employee receives the larger amount of the special or regular benefit which in this example would be $35.72.

AUTOMATIC SHORT WEEK BENEFIT:
Employee’s Estimated State System Earning Limit (ESSEL) is $104.50 for a normal work week of 40 hours. His earnings for the week are $120. The number of compensated and available hours were 32; his short hours are 8.

Calculation: 80% x $3.75 x 8 = $24.00
A.H.E. Short Hrs. in SUB

Employee would receive $24.00.

As a general rule, with the exception of automatic short week benefit, SUB benefits will not be payable unless you apply for and receive State Unemployment Compensation. The employee must first report to his local Unemployment Compensation office with his layoff slip and make application for State Unemployment Compensation. When he receives his State check he brings it to Industrial Relations Dept. to apply for SUB. Employees must remember that in SUB each individual employee’s situation as to SUB payment may be different.

SUB benefits are part of Uniroyal’s overall benefits program for employees. For every dollar paid in wages to employees, an additional 37 cents is paid in employee benefits. If an employee paid for the many benefit plans provided by the Company, it would cost him approximately $1,000 a year.
NOTE: To be continued in next CHEM-TEXTS.

FOUR RECEIVE $931 FOR THEIR IDEAS. SUGGESTION AWARDS TOTAL $2263.

[PHOTO: John Evans, factory manager, right, presents $195 check to Ken Anderson, center. Left is Jack Tierney who received $208. Standing is Kirk Kirkendall, industrial relations.]

by W. Kirkendall

A. Ladyga, in TSSC, received $265, the highest award, for his suggestion to reduce the cleaning time of molds from 1 day to 4 hours.

F. San Angelo, of the Roylar pilot plant, got $263 by reducing the costs of belts used in the plant.

J. Tierney’s suggestion to change from drum handling to bulk storage brought him $208.

[PHOTO: Al Ladyga received $265, the top award.]

K. Anderson’s idea to improve safety conditions when working on machinery resulted in a $195 award.

At the last two Suggestion System Committee meetings, 77 employees received a total of $2263, one of the highest amounts awarded for suggestions. 135 employees turned in suggestions for consideration by the committee. More than one out of every two employees received a cash award for their suggestions.

[PHOTO: Fran San Angelo’s suggestion brought $263.]

Your experience on the job and your talents improve the plant’s operation by using the suggestion system. More important than the cash award is the challenge, personal satisfaction and feeling of involvement by helping the plant improve quality, packaging, handling of products, production savings, better working conditions, safety, prevention of waste which increases heavily the plant’s operating costs, and by improving the operation of equipment. WHY am I doing the job this way? will stimulate every employee’s creative ability to make the Naugatuck plant more efficient and provide greater job security.

Other high awards went to F. Miller, who got $50; A. Ladyga received $52 for another suggestion; L. Clark and A. Rebelo also received $50.

Awards of $35 and lower went to Synthetic Plant employees A. Happy, J. Lawton, F. Bendler, C. Miele, D. LaVorgna – D. Donato, R. Manulla, F. Phelan, R. Lockwood – V. Kloc, F. Simasek, H. Witkoski, A. Kazemekas, F. Henriques, F. Phillips, J. Gallucci, G. Poulin – F. Griffin, J. Sullivan, R. Lockwood, E. Root, F. Surmanek, D. Spina, A. Ferro, H. Shemanski, J. Butkus – J. Painter, W. Tabaka, R. Bell, and C. Roland.

Chemical Plant employees were: J. Slasienski, A. Lanouette, J. Hoey, G. Hennessey, N. Tiscione, J. Enamait, J. Banno, F. Gagne, L. De La Rosa, J. Kankel, E. Bazenas, D. Mennillo, J. Sickola, J. Schumacher, R. Harrison, W. Anderson, C. Moruska, C. Iannuzzi, R. Edmonds, M. Sweeney, D. Pratt.

Honorable Mentions were received by: A. Happy, A. Barber, J. Kenny, W. Fruin, J. Reardon, R. Meldrum, F. Mayo and J. Gandolfo.

Suggestion System forms are located throughout the plant, or you can obtain them from your foreman or supervisor. Pick one up today and return it to a Suggestion Box in the plant. Every suggestion is seriously considered by the Committee.

Foremen Plan Events

Lou Kaiser, president of the Foremen’s Club, announced the schedule of summer events. The dates are as follows: a family picnic on Thursday, July 17, at Holiday Hill in Prospect; a picnic on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Noble’s Grove. Served at the picnics are steaks, clams, hamburgers, hot dogs, hot and cold beverages. Volunteers are needed to serve as cooks and bartenders for each of the picnics.

The Foremen’s Club will also sponsor a trip to either a Met or Yankee baseball game. If you have a preference as to which game you would like to see, be sure to return the form you recently received to the Foremen’s Club representative in your department.

Any male salaried employee is eligible to join the Foremen’s Club, which sponsors several interesting activities during the year. Contact Lou Kaiser for information on membership.

Employees Contribute

(cont’d. from page 2)

Charles Rinaldi, Frank Rodrigues, Joe Rotella, Mike Sansevero, Domingos Santos, J. Sauvageau, Steve Schwartz, Walt Scott, Ken Searles, Jim Shea, Alice Sherman, Dick Simoneau, Norman Smith, W. Stephenson, Frank Sterniak,

Jim Sullivan, Linda Taranovich, Jessie Thompson, Arthur Tidmarsh, Art Tobias, John Turner, John Vergosen, Tom Ward, Pete Welch, Fred Wintsch, Mike Yuchnyk and Alan Zimmerman.

Arriving too late for the Bloodmobile were Don Kirby, John Shephard and Wayne Vieira.

Blood Is Urgently Needed . . . Please Give.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 5 – Page 4

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CHEM-TEXTS

Page 4 | Vol. 3 No. 5

Technical Team Wins Bowling League

by Shirley Sandora

The Uniroyal Chemical Handicap Bowling League ended its season with the Technical team, first half winner, defeating the Atatics, second half winner, in the roll-off to take first place.

Eight teams, registered with the National Duckpin Bowling Congress, made up the league: Engineering, Atatics, Technical, Synthetic, EMIC, Process Development, Distribution/Scheduling and

Dick Terino, Sales, curves a left hander down the alley. (Photos by Bob Foltz).

Shirley Sandora, R & D, top bowler among the women, shows how to make a strike.

Pilot Plant. The teams bowled 36 games during the season on Wednesday nights, and finished the season with a banquet at Lift-The-Latch Inn on Saturday, May 24, at which prizes and trophies were awarded, to which the Chemical plant makes a donation. A National Bowling Congress “Big 40 Club” went to Karen DiDominzio and a “Big 50 Club” to Dom Pape.

First half awards went to Frank Barrows for Men’s

High Average and High Three; Men’s High Single, Al Lanouette; Women’s High Average and High Three, Kaye Johnson; Women’s High Single, Shirley Sandora; Men’s High No-Mark Game, Ron Redline; Women’s High No-Mark, Ronnie Dierling.

Second half awards went to Adrian Hanley for Men’s High Average and High Three; Women’s High Average and High Three, Kaye Johnson; Women’s High Single, a tie between Shirley Sandora and Ronnie Dierling; Men’s High No-Mark John Stamm; Women’s High No-Mark, Celeste Churchill.

The Most Improved Bowler Patch award went to Karen DiDominzio.

Bowlers participating in the league were Marcella Pape, Dom Pape, Ron Redline, Jo Greco, Shirley Sandora, Dave Boulanger, Paul Williams, Ronnie Dierling,

Unions Set Picnic Dates

by Joe Arbachauskas and Joe Rzeszutek

Local 308 will hold a picnic for members on Sunday, July 13, at Schildgen’s Grove in Union City from 11:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. Chairman of the picnic is Art Calder, with Manny Matos, Jessie Silva and Ben Tomaszeski serving on the committee. Joe Arbachauskas, Local president, and Calder promise that plenty of excellent food and refreshments will be available for an enjoyable day.

Local 218’s picnic is set for Saturday, August 2, at Holiday Hill in Prospect from

11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Union members and their families including children up to 18 years of age are invited. Joe Rzeszutek, Local president, pointed out that retired members are invited to the affair. Chairman Roger Lestage and his committee are preparing a gourmet’s dinner of roast beef and chicken to be served at 4:00 P.M.

Swimming, games and plenty of food and cooling refreshments are included to make it a pleasant day for members and their families.

Canaries Check Unsafe Conditions

For 20 years, canaries have tested enclosed vessels and tanks for oxygen supply and harmful vapors. The four canaries kept at the Synthetic plant have been used by the tank cleaners to assure that a sufficient oxygen supply is in the tanks and that no explosive mixtures exist before they clean them.

Today, the fire inspectors use an oxygen meter and vapor meter to check unsafe conditions, but the canaries are still kept as an extra safety precaution.

Swanson, Gaizutis Retire

Congratulating Carl Swanson, seated, on his retirement after 46 years are left to right: Edna Crycheau, Norm Gibbs, Marcella Pape, Angie Mariano, Julie Curtin and Marie Marrello.

Frank Gaizutis poses in front of High Pressure laboratory he designed with left to right: Jim Donnelly, Bob Smith, Gaizutis, Ernst Krauss and Steve Alper. Frank retired from Engineering after 17 years.

Gladys Bradshaw, Industrial Relations, lets go a strike.

Kaye Johnson, Tom Johnson, Larry Koth, Ken Canham, Bob Foltz, Celeste Churchill, Jean Kelley, Larry Terra, John Stamm, Ann Stamm, Verne Arndt, Gary Arndt, John Sierakowski, Karen DiDominzio, Gladys Bradshaw, Tony Amador, John Enamait, Al Enamait, Tim Carr, Julius Rek, Babe Hanley, Lina Hanley, Marie Yaroshefski, Al Lanouette, Frank Guerrera, Sal Falcone and Ada Falcone.

Officers of the league were Al Lanouette, president; Adrian Hanley, vice-president; Ron Redline, treasurer; Shirley Sandora, secretary.

Marcella Pape, Accounting, shows perfect bowling form.

Fire Inspectors, Ed Curby, left, and John Mello hold canary used to test oxygen supply and vapors in tanks.

CHEM TEXTS

PUBLISHED BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL, NAUGATUCK, CONN. 06770

EDITOR: William F. Lavelle.

UNIROYAL Chemical
Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770

U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 10
Naugatuck, Conn. 06770

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3, 1969, No. 6 – Page 1

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UNIROYAL CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3, 1969 PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL No. 8

United Givers Goal $22,000. “Give Where You Work” Vital To Drive’s Success.

[IMAGE: Black and white photograph showing faces of children and adults looking upward]

Who can refuse to help others who need our help today when tomorrow we or someone in our family may need help?

Eric Johnson of Synthetic Production was named to head the United Givers annual drive conducted at the Naugatuck location to support the many charitable, social, and youth activities of the 16 Agencies in the Fund. The drive started on October 6. The once-a-year campaign to raise $22,000 has always resulted in a generous response from Uniroyal Chemical people, as evidenced in last year’s drive in which close to 70% of the employees contributed, topping the goal with a 102% performance.

Give Where You Work

The success of this year’s drive will be achieved only if employees “Give Where You Work”. Whether an employee lives in Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Waterbury, New Haven, Cheshire, Middlebury, Wolcott, Watertown, Woodbury or other towns, the success of every United Givers drive depends on “giving where you work”. This is the basic policy of the United Givers and the only way that any community can attain its goal to meet the needs of the Agencies.

Payroll Deduction

The most convenient way to contribute is through the payroll deduction plan. Your pledge will be deducted from your paycheck on a regular basis. Deductions will start January 1, 1970 and continue through the year. The 16 Agencies in the Fund desperately need financial help to not only continue their work but to improve their facilities and services to people. If every employee contributes through the payroll deduction plan, the plant’s campaign will be a great success in providing these much needed funds.

How Much?

Is one hour’s pay too much? It sounds high but most employees could contribute this amount. With the highest standard of living in the world – 2-3 cars per family, good incomes, color TV, a boat – most of us are fortunate to enjoy the good things of life. Your one hour’s pay a month can work wonders in giving some happiness to the many people around us who desperately need help. If your pocketbook finds this amount too much, you can reduce it accordingly to what your heart can afford.

Who Benefits?

All of us benefit in some way, whether residents of Naugatuck, Beacon Falls or not. The Agencies provide services to most surrounding towns in which employees live. Their excellent work affects us, our families or friends in some manner. Some Agencies like the U.S.O., Salvation Army, United Cerebral Palsy and the Red Cross are national in their service. Veterans and families with sons or daughters in the U.S. Armed Forces know what the U.S.O. has done in every part of the world to bring “home and welcome” to a lonely serviceman in Vietnam, Germany, Thailand, or some far-from-home base in the U.S.

Tax Deductible

All contributions to the United Givers are tax deductible and can be deducted from your income tax.

The Agencies

Agencies participating in the drive are the Red Cross, Child Guidance Clinic, Children’s Center, Girl Scouts, Catholic Family Services, Family Services Association, Boy Scouts, Junior Athletic Leagues, Salvation Army, United Cerebral Palsy, U.S.O., Waterbury Association for Retarded Children and the Naugatuck YMCA. You can contribute to all of these Agencies or select the ones of your preference.

(continued on page 2)

Uniroyal Pays 20% Increase In Benefits

Starting August 1, 1969, Uniroyal absorbed the 20% increase in the Hospitalization, Surgical and In-Hospital medical benefits.

This insurance coverage now averages $30.37 a month for each eligible employee, all of which is paid for by the company. For 12 months this benefit amounts to $364.44, a substantial amount if each employee had to pay it himself for health protection for himself and his family.

[IMAGE: Group photograph of men in business attire reviewing documents]

Eric Johnson reviews plans with United Givers committee. In front left to right are Joe Rzeszutek, Johnson, and Roger Amidon. Left to right standing are Gene Hertel, Vic Anderson, Jack Vergosen, Bob Foltz and Milt Makoski. Absent were Leon Raskauskas, Joe Bucciaglia and Frank Lynch.

“GIVE WHERE YOU WORK”

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 6 – Page 2

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Page 2 | CHEM-TEXTS | Vol. 3, No. 8

FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER

DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEES:

October again brings us each the opportunity to invest in the sixteen agencies supported by the United Givers of Naugatuck and Beacon Falls. Each of these agencies, working in essential health, welfare and educational activities, makes our community a better place to live for our families and our friends. Beyond this, many of the agencies have an outreach of service beyond our borders to neighboring towns and to the nation.

We at Uniroyal Chemical have, in each year’s campaign, shown a greater willingness to give to these causes. Yet, our average gift per employee last year was something less than $13.00 per year for all of these needs. Our average is this low because some one-third of us did not give last year and some half of us gave a cash donation rather than spreading our giving by utilizing the payroll deduction plan.

When the canvasser calls on us this year, let’s all give something and let’s all pledge on payroll deductions. I think we all will be pleasantly surprised when the results are in.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

John D. Evans

Three Named Chairmen For Borough’s United Givers Drive

[IMAGE: Photo of three men in business attire having a discussion]

Ron Mitchinson, right, Industrial Relations Manager, and this year’s United Givers Campaign Chairman for Naugatuck and Beacon Falls discusses plans with Doug Miller, Engineering Superintendent, Corporate Division Chairman. Absent was Fred Wintsch, Chairman of the Commercial Division.

Over the years, the Naugatuck plant has participated in community activities by sponsoring the Junior Achievement, Naugatuck High School Career Observation Program, the Explorers, the United Givers, and other community and civic programs.

For its campaign drive this year, the United Givers of Naugatuck and Beacon Falls named Ron Mitchinson Industrial Relations Manager, Campaign Chairman for the overall drive; Doug Miller, Superintendent of Engineering, as Chairman of the Corporate division and Fred Wintsch, Labor Relations Manager, as Chairman of the Commercial group.

The annual United Givers drive is one of the major events in the community to support the charitable, social and youth work of the 16 Agencies in the campaign. This year’s goal for the campaign is $145,000 to help continue and improve the worthwhile activities of the participating groups.

Dr. Jelley New Plant Doctor

[IMAGE: Photo of Dr. Jelley reviewing medical records with Ann McAllister]

Dr. Jelley reviews medical records with Ann McAllister, R.N., Synthetic Hospital nurse.

by Bob Shortt

Dr. Edward Jelley accepted the position of plant physician replacing Dr. Elser. Dr. Jelley, a prominent physician with offices in Naugatuck, will be available at the Chemical Plant hospital from 8:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. and at the Synthetic Plant hospital from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., Monday through Friday, except holidays.

The Chemical and Synthetic plant nurses, Adeline Farrar, R.N. and Ann McAllister, R.N., are on duty from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. The Chemical nurse is also on duty Saturday morning, 8:00 A.M. to 12 Noon.

To prevent cuts, bruises or dust in the eye from becoming serious injuries, employees should see the plant nurse immediately and have the problem taken care of as a preventive measure against further complications.

In case of an accident or injury during the second or third shift, the night general foreman should be contacted by calling the night watchman on EXT. 670 who will contact the general foreman by radio for immediate attention.

Employee Snow Tire Sale On

The special employee snow tire sale runs for two months until Nov. 28. On sale are the Glas-Belt Snowplow, Glas-Belt Winter Patrol, Snowplow, and the Winter Patrol.

Purchases may be made at Uniroyal Home and Auto Centers and Uniroyal Tire Dealers.

Slips can be obtained from Industrial Relations; Ann McAllister, Synthetic plant nurse; Luella Anderson TSSC; and Diana Strollo, EMIC.

United Givers: (cont’d. from pg. 1)

The Executive Committee for the plant is Eric Johnson, Leon Raskauskas, Joe Rzeszutek, Milt Makoski, Gene Hertel, Roger Amidon, Jack Vergosen, Joe Bucciaglia, Bob Foltz, Frank Lynch and Vic Anderson.

Chairmen of the various plant sections and departments are Roger Lestage, Pat Tortorici, Carl Wehmann, Paul Laurenzi, Sal Sapio, Mike Dodd, Phil Morin, Stan Mazur, Doug Ritchie, Bob Grahame, Dom Scalzo, Al Juliano and Mary Vergosen.

Dividend Declared

Uniroyal declared a dividend of 17½ cents a share on its common stock. The dividend was payable September 25 to stockholders of record on August 25.

A dividend of $2 a share on the 8 percent first preferred stock was also declared and payable September 25 to stockholders of record on August 25.

“GIVE WHERE YOU WORK”

New Staff For Chemical Control Center

New assignments were made to the Chemical Production Control Center which was recently established. Heading the new system is Walt Frankenberger, and working as Technical Assistant is Clark Makinson.

Tom Dowling will coordinate mechanical work in the chemical plant.

Francis Egan and Matty Mathewson will work on scheduling, raw materials and quality control. Also assigned to the Center, Mildred Finsel will handle the clerical responsibilities.

As a result of the new staff assignments, several changes were made in the plant.

John Honyotski assumes responsibility for all thiazoles operations. Tom Engle takes over as Foreman in thiazole operations. Lloyd McCoy assumes charge of Bldg. 100. Earl Roller becomes Foreman of the Central Finishing Dept. Bob Cronin was made Foreman of Bldg. 88 and Tom Carey assumes the position of Production Clerk.

Fathers-Sons See Amazing Mets Play

The photo below shows some of the eighty-three who attended the Mets-Dodgers baseball game at Shea Stadium on Saturday, August 23. The Father-Son baseball trip sponsored by the Foremen’s Club was a big success and, according to Lou Kaiser, the Club’s president, the inspiration that started the Mets on their phenomenal drive to first place in the National League pennant race.

[IMAGE: Photo showing crowd at baseball stadium]

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 6 – Page 3

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CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3 No. 8 | Page 3

Synthetic’s “A” Crew Hits 9 Batches Daily

[IMAGE: Group photo of workers in hard hats]

In front left to right are Pete Norman, Joe Maye, and Stan Dushak. Left to right in rear are Al Kazemekas, Gerry Markham, John Marshall and Bill Hill.

[IMAGE: Second group photo of workers]

Other group members are left to right in front, Earl Root, Dutch Witkoski and Steve Matcheson. In rear, left to right are Bill Stinson, Al MacDonald, Bob Curtin and Fred Enamait.

Recently the Synthetic Processing “A” Crew averaged 9 charged batches per day for one full week.

This is a major step towards improving our competitive position by production of a lower cost product. The “B” and “C” crews also played a significant role in the “A” crew’s achievement.

In order to reach the goal of 27 batches a day for the three crews, it requires the full effort of everyone in the Synthetic plant’s operation.

“GIVE WHERE YOU WORK”

$820 Awarded For Suggestions

By W. Kirkendall

[IMAGE: Three men, one handing check to another]

Doug Miller, Plant Engineering Superintendent, left, hands $200 check to Ed Semaskvich, center, for his two suggestions, as Clayt Houseknecht, Mechanical department foreman watches.

Ed. Semaskvich of the Chemical Mechanical department received a total of $200 for two suggestions he submitted recently. One idea which reduced the number of belts required on equipment and cut maintenance costs brought Ed. $150. His other idea, worth $50, reduced the amount of wear on gears and helped save the Company money on maintenance. By utilizing his long experience as a mechanic and applying it to his work Ed obtained a high cash award for his interest in helping the plant’s operations.

Other high awards went to Carmine Iannuzzi, $115; Harry Hedrick, $65; John Hoey, $60; J. DaSilva, $52.50; R. Kubick, $45; Ed Atwood, $40; John Grosso, $37.50; and Orlando Gabianelli, $30.

Cash awards for their suggestions were also received by Walter Campbell, Lyle Bissonnette, Frank Commendatore, Mike Yuchnyk, John Sickola, Dom Persutti, John Dudo, John Slasienski, Art Mencio, and John Wawer.

Total cash awards amounted to $820. Of the 88 persons who submitted suggestions, 39 received cash awards and 6 received honorable mentions, so that one out of every two employees submitting suggestions received an award for their ideas to improve the plant’s efficiency, reduce costs, improve production and provide safer working conditions.

[IMAGE: Man working]

Carmine Iannuzzi received $115 for 7 suggestions which he submitted on safety procedures.

All employees are eligible to submit suggestions. Suggestion blanks are available throughout the plant.

Explorers Start New Season

By Bob Smith

West Point, Sikorsky Aircraft and M.I.T. are just some of the exciting trips that the Explorers made during the year, along with ski trips in the winter months.

The Explorers meet regularly on Monday evenings at the TSSC building and conduct science projects under the supervision of Chemical plant personnel. To join the group a boy must be 14 years old, in the 9th grade or higher, or 15 years old regardless of grade.

Sponsored by the Chemical plant, the Explorers provide students the opportunity to explore the many different types of careers available in science, chemistry and industry.

If your son or a friend is interested in joining the Explorers, contact Bob Smith, EXT. 674.

[IMAGE: Group of young people at table with experiment]

Explorers perform a challenging light ray experiment. Seated, left to right are Armand Pardal and George Louis Jr. In rear are Nat Vescera Jr. left, and Bill Walsh Jr.

Appointments Announced

Kirk Kirkendall named Foreman of Janitorial Services.

Milt Makoski made Employment Manager for plant personnel.

Neil Melore, recently discharged from the Armed Forces, returns as Industrial Relations Supervisor.

Al Mitlehner joined the Agricultural Chemical Sales Department.

Bob McCoy appointed Group Leader, Colloids Product Development group.

B.T. Dave assumes duties of Chief Process Engineer at Synthetic rubber plant.

Ben Smith named Senior Research Scientist with special assignments in the Colloids Product Development group.

Ray Frank assumes the duties of Acting Plant Traffic Manager.

What Do You Want To Know

CHEM-TEXTS is printed to keep you and your family informed on plant activities, benefits, safety and other information on what is happening in the plant and Uniroyal.

To make CHEM-TEXTS interesting and informative to you, it would be helpful to the editor if you submitted your suggestions on what you would like to know.

Send your suggestions to the Editor, CHEM-TEXTS, they will help make it a better newspaper.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 6 – Page 4

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Page 4 CHEM-TEXTS

New “Idea Plan” Offers $1000 Cash Awards

Larry Koth, Idea Plan Administrator, discusses how to cut the red tape with department coordinators. Seated left to right are Sam Gillette, Koth, and Pat Petti. Standing left to right are Ernst Krauss, Bill Albaitis, Milt Makoski and Mike Dodd who will assist Koth with the Plan.

For many years, Uniroyal Chemical has operated a Suggestion System for employees to submit original ideas and receive cash awards for them.

To encourage employees to participate more fully in the plan, and to reward them more for their originality and experience, Uniroyal has initiated a new “Idea Plan.”

The Company has raised the minimum award from $15 to $25 and the maximum at the local plant level to $1,000. If an idea is worth more, it will be submitted to a management committee for consideration for an additional award.

The new Plan will cut out the red tape and eliminate the long delays before a suggestion is acted upon. Employees will be informed as quickly as possible whether or not their ideas have been accepted or rejected.

For effective and immediate handling of submitted ideas, Larry Koth, Industrial Engineering Manager, has been designated the plant’s Idea Plan Administrator. Each department will have an idea coordinator.

Department coordinators selected so far are: Lou Coscia, Research and Development; Larry Mambrino, Control; Pat Petti, Purchasing; Sam Gillette, Chemical Production; Milt Makoski, Industrial Relations; Ernst Krauss, Engineering; Bill Albaitis, Materials.

Employees will be kept fully informed on the details of the new Plan as it is implemented. Now’s the time to start thinking and jot down your ideas on work methods, equipment or supplies, customer service, product quality, new products, safety, waste reduction, production increase, shipping, packaging and many others.

The new Uniroyal Idea Plan provides every employee the opportunity to increase his earnings, simply by jotting down and submitting the hundreds of ideas in his head. $1,000 . . . and even more is worth a try.

Ed Weaving, plant protection supervisor, shows now a gasoline fire can be put out.

830,000 Hours; No Accidents

By Bob Shortt

The plant almost reached the magic 1,000,000 manhours worked without a losttime accident. During July and August, no lost-time accidents occurred.

However, on September 6, after reaching 830,084 manhours, an employee slipped from a ladder and fell backwards into a ditch, fracturing his forearm.

As of August 31 there were 3 less lost-time accidents for the same period in 1968, a slight improvement. There was a decrease of 16 serious injuries for the same period.

Whether at work, home, or on the road, safety is your personal responsibility. Your unsafe act may result in a serious injury to a fellow employee.

The irony of safety is that the person responsible for the accident, often escapes injury.

As the paper went to press another lost time accident was reported on September 11, when a driver stopped to give a ride to an employee walking to work. The station wagon was hit in the rear and the driver suffered from a whiplash, loosing several days of work.

Housekeeping Prevents Fires

The week with October 9 in it – the day of the Great Chicago Fire – has been set aside as Fire Prevention Week to focus attention on the tragic loss of lives and families from fire. Starting October 6, the plant will hold a weeklong series of fire drills, tours and demonstrations on the proper action to take in case of a plant fire and the safety measures to prevent them.

A major cause of fire in the plant is poor housekeeping and only the alertness of safety-minded employees and the quick response of the fire department to alarms has prevented serious damage.

Good housekeeping in your area makes it safer to work in and certainly more enjoyable, as well as a major contribution in fire prevention.

Fire Prevention in our plant is a 52 week a year operation and we feel sure that employees realize this and make it a year-round practice.

Open House Held For Retirees

After a tour of the Reclaim plant, retirees are greeted by R. Mitchinson, Industrial Relations Manager. In front, left to right are N. Valvo, W. Hayes, R. Finsel, J. Slyzys and Mitchinson. In back are, left to right: J. Napomiceno, V. Maciokas, G. Wooley, C. Vagt, G. Legault and T. Basile.

In front of registration tent are clockwise, G. Sbrocca, C. Carlson, V. Maciokas, H. Schofield, R. Van Allen, E. Johnson, D. Wood, L. Borzino, H. Olson, G. Bertilson and E. Valentine.

150 retired employees attended the “Open House” which included tours of the Chemical, Reclaim and Synthetic plants renewed friendships, and lunch at the Synthetic cafeteria.

Noticeable to the retirees were the many improvements to the plant during the past few years: the new front entrance, the modernization of the Reclaim plant, the new Control Center and other building improvements.

Several commented on the courtesy of the Foremen and Supervisors who conducted the tours and the plant drivers who provided rides.

Fred Wintsch and Milt Makoski were in charge of the program. Molly Cobbol and Marion Hutt served as receptionists.

CHEM TEXTS

PUBLISHED BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL, NAUGATUCK, CONN. 06770
EDITOR: William F. Lavelle

UNIROYAL Chemical
Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770

U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 10
Naugatuck, Conn. 06770

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3, 1969, No. 7 – Page 1

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Page 001

UNIROYAL CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3, 1969 PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL No. 7

Every Employee Holds Responsible Position

[AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH OF INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX]

The Naugatuck Chemical complex comprises 142 buildings situated on 90 acres of land stretched out along the Naugatuck river.

[PHOTOGRAPH: Three men in work uniforms reviewing documents]

Assistant Area Shift Foremen Mike Patrick, left and Bill Swick, right check plans for 4 to 12 P.M. shift with Guy Elwood, Area Shift Foreman. In charge of all plant operations on this shift, they are also experts in first-aid.

[PHOTOGRAPH: Men with mail cart, safety sign visible reading “HASTE MAKES ACCIDENTS”]

Don Olson, above, Joe Scullin, Bill Brewer, Clarence Parks rotate weekly on mail delivery. They make 5 tours daily in the plant; handle 140 bags of mail; and stay slim with 75 trips up and down stairs.

Today the Chemical Division at Naugatuck employs 1800 people. 925 work in the plant’s manufacturing operation; and 875 work in Divisional Sales, Research and Development, accounting and other departments.

People Make The Plant

Whatever an employee’s education, background, or position, he holds a position of responsibility in the plant’s diverse operations. People are the plant’s most irreplaceable asset. Without them, the plant’s equipment, machinery and capabilities are useless, and it would take years to replace their years of talent, experience and skill.

Every Job’s Important

To operate the plant efficiently and to provide better job security, an employee’s responsibility in doing his job properly is of extreme importance.

Whether the job is delivering mail; sorting tubes; painting; shipping materials to a customer on time; operating production equipment; packaging products; oiling machinery; purchasing raw materials; paying bills; analyzing quality; researching new products; or selling to customers, the plant would not operate effectively without every employee performing his job in a responsible manner.

Individual’s Importance

Because of the importance of an individual employee’s job, it is easy to imagine the effects on the plant’s operation if he is absent from work for an unjustifiable reason. His absence could slow down or even shut down an entire

(Continued on Page 2)

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Page 2 | CHEM-TEXTS | Vol. 3 No. 7

FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER

DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEE:

This year we have been pushing the slogan “SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY.” Frankly, it seems to me that our success to date is in developing the attitude that “everybody is responsible for my safety.” It’s about time that we face up to our own responsibility for safety.

I’ve heard too much of, “you didn’t fix this” or, “why should I do it that way, so and so doesn’t.” Or, the old favorite, “I’ve been doing this for twenty years and nothing has happened to me.” These are, at best, just excuses.

We have to face up to the basic fact that each man is primarily responsible for his own safety. Management’s responsibility extends to providing the proper tools and equipment, protective devices and giving safe operating procedures and instructions.

Beyond this point, supervision can’t make a man safe if he doesn’t act safely. This is particularly true in our plant where each man works with a great deal of responsibility for his own work.

Recently, I read some criticism concerning companies where protective equipment wasn’t furnished to employees.

Let’s take a look at our plant. UNIROYAL provides hard hats, safety glasses, goggles, safety shoes, gloves and other protective equipment, and yet too many employees take the attitude of “let’s see if we can make them force us to wear this stuff.” What kind of a game is this for men to be playing?

Don’t you think it’s about time for you to quit playing Russian Roulette with your SAFETY? I sincerely hope you will think this over and agree for your family’s sake.

Best regards,

John

John D. Evans

Little known but important is the job of sorting tubes and removing brass valves in Reclaim production. Left to right are Hilda Moura, Linda Oliveira, Amelia Francisco. In rear is Ascencao Fonseca.

Frank Giedraitis, left, and Ray Mulcahy of the Synthetic storehouse, service the mechanical department with valves, fittings, sheet metal and necessary supplies.

Responsibility, Reliability

Hand in hand with job responsibility is job reliability knowing that an employee will perform his job conscientiously. For example, suppose the Control Laboratory did not evaluate the quality of a product properly before it was shipped to a customer. Shipping it would affect the profit of the product since it will be returned by the customer and transportation and rework costs must be absorbed by the Company. To some degree every department in the plant is affected by a chain-like interdepartmental reaction: Purchasing must supply new packages; Production must rework and repackage the material; Materials Handling must unload the returned product and store it in the warehouse; Billing must issue a credit; Sales must satisfy the customer’s complaint and possibly lose a long standing one; and Distribution/Scheduling must reschedule production and arrange for warehousing the material.

Profits Lost

It’s evident that every employee’s job is important in the profitable operation of the plant.

If each person performs it well he will be contributing not only to his own, but to every other employee’s job security and to the plant’s successful operation.

Defective instruments affect product quality. Martin Cherkus, Mechanical Dept. repairs critical level band in Reclaim as Larry Rinaldi watches.

Left to right Ray Chevrier, Bob Vadnais, and Pete LaCharity, of the Synthetic plant finishing line, package Naugapol rubber neatly for prompt delivery to a customer.

Responsible Position

(Continued from Page 1)

operating line, resulting in lost production, lost sales, lost profits and a lost customer who required the product delivered to his plant on time to meet his production schedule.

One employee’s absence has a chain-like effect on not only his own job, but the jobs of other people in his departments. In one production department, absenteeism averaged 150 days a month, seriously jeopardizing the production of the department and the jobs of the employees in it …. along with the jobs of people in other areas.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

Testing the quality of OXAF before it is shipped to customer is Edith Evans, left, and Margaret Sweeney of the Quality Control Lab. In background is Janet Lennan.

Floors are cleaned, waxed and buffed every night by the Janitors to keep offices clean and neat. Don Fuller, left, group leader, advises Joao De Campos as he cleans floor in Bldg. 84.

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Vol. 3 No. 7 | CHEM-TEXTS | Page 3

KNOW YOUR BENEFITS: by W. Kirkendall

Some Questions And Answers On Bereavement Pay Benefits

The bereavement pay benefit is one of the many different benefits which Uniroyal gives to people employed at a plant where a United Rubber Workers Union exist. At the Naugatuck plant there are two URW locals: Local 218 covers the Chemical and Reclaim plants; and Local 308 covers the Synthetic plant. This benefit applies only to the wage members of the two Locals.

In 1968 Uniroyal contributed $318,303 in Bereavement Pay Benefits to employees working in plants covered by the United Rubber Workers Union contract.

Q. When am I eligible for bereavement pay?
A. An employee who is absent from work after 30 days from date of hire because of the death of a member of his immediate family, or a dependent who lives in the household, shall be paid his straight time average hourly earnings, if an incentive worker or his current hourly rate if on day work for time lost from his regularly scheduled shift.

Q. How many days’ pay do I receive?
A. You shall be paid (3) consecutive working days. It is understood the 3 days of paid bereavement pay shall be related in time to the death for which such payment is made.

Applies To Your Immediate Family

Q. Who is immediate family?
A. Immediate family is defined to mean husband, wife, father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, brother, sister, or the employee’s children. The foregoing intended to cover legal as well as blood relationships.

Q. Are uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins covered under bereavement pay?
A. No. They are not members of the immediate family.

Q. What happens if death occurs while I am on vacation?
A. Your vacation will be extended and payment will be made, provided the employee notifies a designated member of management.

Legal Relatives

Q. What does legal relationship mean?
A. The term legal relationship is interpreted to mean father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, the spouse’s grandparents and legally adopted children. A brother-in-law or sister-in-law is the employee’s spouse’s brother or sister. Although by custom or practice the spouse of an employee’s spouse’s brother or sister is referred to as a brother-in-law or sister-in-law to the employee, such relationship is not contemplated by reference to brother-in-law or sister-in-law for eligibility for bereavement pay.

Q. Must I attend the funeral to be eligible?
A. No. While it is not necessary that the employee actually attend the funeral, as in the case of a relative who dies in some distant place, the time off must be related in time to the death and cannot be arbitrarily deferred to some later time, such as an addition to a vacation or the like.

How To Apply

Q. What must I do as an employee in case of bereavement?
A. You should contact your supervisor or foreman and make sure you are eligible for bereavement pay. You must then bring in a clipping from the newspaper when you return to work and your supervisor will turn in a bereavement pay form to the Industrial Relations department.

Consult Foreman

Q. Who can inform me on bereavement pay benefits?
A. For further information on bereavement pay benefits, speak to your foreman or supervisor. He will be glad to answer any questions you have on this benefit or other benefits provided by Uniroyal. If he doesn’t have the answer, he will obtain the proper information for you.

Appointments Announced

Ken Stewart has been named Sales Manager for Kralastic ABS plastics, the Chemical division’s leading plastic product.

John Murray assumes the position of Acting Credit Manager for Uniroyal Chemical.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

Safety Contest Winner Named

[IMAGE: Group photo showing people with “SEND HELP” signs]

Cliff German distributes litter bags to the Plastics Compounding and Physical Testing groups for winning the Safety Contest in June. Left to right are Fernando Gagne, Betty Kopp, German, Manny Andrade, Joyce Lockwood, Nick Tiscione, and John Kankel. 300 employees in Research & Development received the award for no-lost time accidents or serious injuries in June.

by Bob Shortt

The Safety Department announced the winner in the new plant Safety Contest. The contest is similar to last year’s “free coffee” cards which were distributed to members of a department completing a full month without a lost-time accident or a serious injury.

In this new Safety Prize program there is an added incentive, in that each successive month a department continues its record intact (no lost-time accident or serious injury) all members become eligible for a more valuable prize.

Several weeks ago, everyone in the plant was given Uniroyal pocket protectors which automatically placed them on the first step of the Safety program. The prize which was won by the Research and Development department was a handy litter container and Help sign for automobiles.

The contest will continue through 1969, with a new contest starting in January 1970.

The breakdown of departments is as follows: Chemical Production; Reclaim Production (including Dispersions and Raw Stock); Materials Handling at Chemical and Synthetic (including Small Packaging, Parcel Post and Janitors); Synthetic Production; Research and Development (Pilot Plants and Laboratories); Mechanical Departments (Synthetic and Chemical).

The winners for the first month’s contest were all persons in Research and Development, including the Pilot Plants and Laboratory sections.

Other prizes included in the Safety Contest are key chains, pocket memo pads, change purses, bottle and can openers, ash trays and coffee mugs.

33 Join U.S. Bond Plan

[IMAGE: Two people at desk with bonds]

Marge Lasky, left, of Reclaim R & D signs herself and Rufus Lydem to purchase U.S. Savings Bonds.

The annual U.S. Savings Bond and Freedom Share drive which was recently concluded saw 33 employees purchase Bonds and Shares through the thrifty, systematic payroll plan. Twenty-one increased their participation in the plan. The total number now enrolled in the plan is 595 or 35% of the plant employees. Company-wide participation in the U.S. Savings Bond plan is approximately 52% with some Uniroyal plants participating 100%.

A committee of seventy-three canvassers, organized in different sections of the plant and sales headquarters, contacted all employees during the drive.

Two departments deserve special recognition for increased employee participation during the drive: Reclaim Production and Reclaim Research and Development.

Anyone may still join the payroll deduction plan anytime during the year by contacting his foreman or supervisor.

No July Accidents

For the first time this year, no lost time accidents or serious injuries took place in the plant. Hopefully, July is the beginning of another 1,000,000 manhours worked without a lost time accident which was achieved in 1968.

With every employee’s personal involvement in following the safety rules required in the different plant areas and in his particular job, a 1,000,000 manhours can be reached again.

The most important person in continuing this encouraging trend is YOU. Only YOU can help prevent accidents to yourself and the people you work with in your area. Your daily concern for working safe will make the Naugatuck plant a better, safer place to work.

LATE FLASH

A Chemical operator, not wearing his safety goggles, was splashed with caustic acid for a serious injury, marring our August record.

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CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3 No. 7

New Union President

Leon Raskauskas recently became President of Local 308, United Rubber Workers which represents the Synthetic plant. Leon replaces Joe Arbachauskas who resigned as president for reason of health. Before his new appointment, Leon had been Vice-President and had served

as President of the Local from 1959 to 1961.

Charlie Roland succeeds Leon as new Vice-President of Local 308.

Blancato Improving

Sam Blancato who was recently burned in a plant accident is well on the road to recovery at the Waterbury Hospital. Sam and his family express their sincere thanks to the many employees who sent him cards, letters and gifts. It’s times like this, Sam pointed out, that you measure your real wealth by the many friends you have.

Anxious to return to work soon, Sam will be in the hospital a short time more for skin grafts. Meanwhile, he looks forward to receiving letters from his many friends in the plant.

Judo Brown Belt Held by Denise Pratt

Denise Pratt, an R & D Analyst, is the proud owner of the Brown Belt. She plans to obtain the Black Belt, a unique distinction in Judo for a woman. Denise has become so expert in Judo that she now teaches a beginner’s course at the Y.W.C.A. in Waterbury.

Judo, the “gentle way”, is an art practiced as a sport, based on the ancient methods of barehanded fighting. It’s a form of wrestling, requiring a special uniform to practice in and may be engaged in by both young and old, male and female.

Judo, which should not be confused with Karate, has a fourfold purpose: 1) physical development; 2) proficiency in a contest; 3) mental development; and 4) the use of minimum effort for maximum efficiency.

A knowledge of Japanese words such as Ukemi, Kata, Uchikomi, Pandori, Hidari

Shizentai is also required in learning the art of Judo. Use of the wrong words may result in an unexpected flip over the shoulder, and a sudden fall on the ground.

Doug Ritchie, Group Leader, left, admires Denise Pratt’s brown belt in Judo. Watching at right is Warren Singleton, Finished Products Supervisor.

600 Deaths Over Labor Day Weekend

Safety seems ignored over the three-day weekends of national holidays. The July 4th weekend caused more than 600 deaths on the highways. Predictions for the long Labor Day weekend estimate another 600 deaths will occur on the highways, by drownings and other types of accidents.

Take safety awareness with you when you travel. Your life, your family’s life and the lives of others are in your hands. By driving defensively – expecting that the other driver will do something wrong – by wearing safety belts; by not following too closely in case of an unexpected stop by the car in front; by not speeding (it may mean a stiff fine and loss of license); and by checking your car and tires carefully, an accident will be less likely to happen to you and your family.

Watch your young children, especially when swimming, boating or fishing. Their curious minds and tendency to stray can cause you many anxious moments and spoil your holiday.

Your safety is in your hands and by expecting the unexpected happening during the Labor Day weekend, you can avoid an accident that may mean serious injury to you and your family.

This fatal accident wiped out an entire family: the mother, father and three small children. Your life, your family’s, and the lives of other people depend upon your safe driving on the highway.

Denise Pratt demonstrates Judo to a student at the Y.W.C.A. where she teaches a beginner’s course in the “gentle way.”

LATE NEWS BULLETIN

It was just learned that Uniroyal is organizing a New Idea Plan to encourage more employees to put their ideas to work. Complete details will be announced shortly. Meanwhile the present Suggestion System is still in effect.

CHEM TEXTS

PUBLISHED BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL, NAUGATUCK, CONN. 06770
EDITOR: William F. Lavelle

UNIROYAL CHEMICAL
Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770

U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 10
Naugatuck, Conn. 06770

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3, No. 8 – Page 1

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Page 001

UNIROYAL CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3 PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL No. 9

Improvements Protect Jobs. Make Plant Cleaner, Safer.

[IMAGE: Black and white photo of industrial building with bulldozer in foreground]

Bulldozer digs out aniline sludge that caused the Main entrance roadway to sink under heavy trailer trucks.

Today, somewhere in the plant, another step is being made to protect jobs, improve safety, housekeeping, production, and working conditions. Or a new reactor is being installed to improve productivity.

Major Improvements

Major improvements this year included a new main entrance; resurfacing of the road to the main entrance, once an aniline sludge dump. The old DDM building was completely remodeled to manufacture Curalon® a new chemical curing agent.

A high cost investment was made in the recent installation of refrigeration facilities for Omite® a new agricultural chemical.

Expansion of the high pressure laboratory which researches high pressure chemical reactions is nearing completion. This new R & D facility provides the technology to improve manufacturing operations by faster reactions.

A giant step was made in air pollution control with the conversion of the plant’s power house from coal to oil.

Repairs and Maintenance

Ordinary repair and maintenance costs during the year will extend into six figures simply for general building and yard maintenance. Priority repairs made this year included refacing of the Chemical firehouse and Lotol Bldg. 76 with aluminum siding; and renovation of the Reclaim pilot plant, parcel post, small (continued on page 2)

[IMAGE: Black and white photo of paved roadway with buildings]

Solid bed of new paved and marked roadway improves safety and reduces maintenance costs. Major improvements in photo show new front entrance; refaced aluminum siding on Bldg. 76, and pollution free smokestacks.

Reclaim Dust Collectors Reduce Escape Of Lint

[IMAGE: Black and white photo of industrial dust collection system on roof]

Dust collection system nears completion on roof of Reclaim plant. The system will reduce the fiber escape from the cyclones.

by Rod Gaetz

The escape of lint from the Cracking Department of the Reclaim plant has always caused a problem in the plant and surrounding area. With the new manufacturing process used in the modernized plant which requires tires to be ground to a much finer particle size, the problem has become more acute.

In designing the new plant, the systems enclosed the mechanical conveyors, and completely enclosed processing machinery was utilized to prevent lint escape. Where it was necessary to utilize pneumatic conveying systems, cyclone separators were first installed to separate the conveying air from the product streams and leave the secondary air treatment systems until later. The reason for this was to determine from practical operating experience the (continued on page 2)

Woman Supervisor Named

[IMAGE: Black and white photo of two women at desk reviewing documents]

Anna Radowich, left, newly named Special Analysis Supervisor in the Analytical Research Lab, reviews a project with Helen Mullen.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 8 – Page 2

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CHEM-TEXTS

Page 2 | Vol. 3 No. 9

FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER

DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEE:

Sometime back I had occasion to question one of our people why a certain function was being performed in the manner that it was being done. Much to my surprise, the answer was, “It’s Company policy.” I asked, “What do you mean, ‘Company policy’?, Who set the policy?” After a blank look, I received the answer, “Folklore and Tradition”.

While tradition has a place as part of our heritage, it has little place in building a flexible, responsive, up-to-date organization that can effectively deal with the rapid changing demands that we, together, must meet to make our plant competitive in today’s world.

As I have said before, progress is change, and each of us must learn to look upon change as progress. We have to be the first ones to find the best way of doing our jobs or we find ourselves always trying to catch up. I’m sure we all prefer to be leaders.

Let’s take a strong look at the “Folklore and Traditions” in our activities. Let’s all ask ourselves, “How can I do my job more effectively?” Let’s remember that the payoff is results and we each play a part in finding a better way to achieve those results.

Sincerely,

John

John D. Evans

Improved housekeeping, a better, safer place to work. Harry Grant, left, and Ray Pekoek inspect newly painted and repaired equipment in Reclaim pilot plant.

competition and operate our business in the black.

New upgraded reactors, the most modern in design, are being installed to improve productivity and reduce the maintenance costs of obsolete equipment. They should improve our competitive position in the chemical market.

Costly investment in equipment protects jobs and depend heavily on the Company’s profits to finance the purchase of it.

The profits on the products made at the plant are

Five Hurt In Accidents

by Bob Shortt

From June 14 to Sept. 5, the plant worked 830,084 man-hours without a lost-time accident, almost hitting the 1,000,000 mark.

But September brought five lost-time accidents. The first occurred when an employee slipped from a ladder fracturing his forearm. The second happened near the plant when an employee’s car hit the rear of the plant’s station wagon, causing a neck injury to the plant driver. While pulling hose on the job, an employee strained his back. The fourth accident took place in Long Island when one of the plant’s new trucks was slammed in the rear by a trailer truck, causing face, chest and neck injuries to the plant driver. The plant’s month-old truck was totally demolished. Both road accidents were clearcut cases of the unexpected happening. The fifth accident happened when an employee was splashed in the eye by a chemical while filling drums. He was wearing safety glasses but did not have the required chemical splash goggles for the job.

Our safety record will improve only when every employee realizes that safety is his responsibility. Wearing safety hats, safety shoes, safety glasses, proper protective equipment on the job will help reduce accidents. Moving drums and lifting heavy equipment properly prevents serious back injuries.

But the most important step to stop this rate is for every employee to think safety every minute of the day . . . and to expect the unexpected happening.

(continued on page 3)

Customers Secure Our Jobs

In today’s competitive economy, our pay and employment come from our customers, and the only sure type of job security is keeping and increasing our customers. If there are no customers, there will be no jobs.

Keeping a customer can be achieved only when everyone performs his job responsibly and by doing the kind of job that will hold and win new customers. Job security is the responsibility of everyone working together in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.

When production drops, the cost of operating the plant increases and can affect our pay considerably. Lower production means increased cost which the customer will not pay. Naturally he looks to a competitor for a better price which is exactly what all of us would do if we were shopping for a car, a TV set or a washing machine.

Keeping the customer through improved production of quality products increases substantially better job security for all employees.

Reclaim Dust Collectors . . .

(continued from page 1)

right type of equipment to install for reducing lint escape.

A year’s operation at design capacities in Fiber Separation and Fine Grinding have proved this decision right, as studies have indicated that only five of the twenty cyclones in the system are not operating efficiently.

The Plant Engineering Department, after considerable study, selected the proper equipment necessary to collect the lint from the five cyclones to reduce the present problem. Delivery of the equipment has been made, and the duct work and structural supports have been installed.

Upon completion of the work, a substantial reduction in lint escape will be achieved, and another step taken in the plant’s continuing program to make it a cleaner, safer place to work.

There is an old Chinese saying that each generation builds a road for the next. The road has been well built for us and it is incumbent upon us in our generation to build our road for the next.

“GIVE WHERE YOU WORK”

Hortonspheres at Synthetic plant were scraped and painted to prevent corrosion.

Frank Walinsky, left, color codes cylinder rack bright yellow for safety and light green for platform as Bob Burns watches.

IMPROVEMENTS…

(continued from page 1)

packaging, department offices and other buildings.

Profits Help Buy New Equipment

Several million dollars in capital investment to improve the efficiency of the plant’s productive capabilities will be invested in new equipment, expansion, and new facilities. These investments cost considerable money without any immediate financial return. Because of the strong competition in the chemical industry, old machinery must be replaced with more efficient equipment to keep ahead of reinvested in new equipment and tools to help perform our jobs more effectively and to increase production. The goods produced with better tools can be sold to the customer at a lower cost because their production is more efficient.

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CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3 No. 9 Page 3

Everybody’s Giving To United Givers

by Eric Johnson

The United Givers drive is receiving generous response from all employees. Pledges received to date amount to $14,300, which is 65% of the plant’s $22,000 goal. Campaign chairmen feel confident that the drive will exceed the $22,000.

“Give Where You Work” through the convenient payroll deduction plan has received greater support this year from all employees. Every pledge, even if only 25 cents a week, which surely every employee can afford, will help us reach our $22,000 goal. A mentally retarded child, a child with cerebral palsy, or a lonely G.I. in Vietnam will be helped by your pledge. In our hearts none of us can refuse to help these friends and neighbors.

Employees living in Waterbury, Cheshire, New Haven and other cities benefit from the Agencies in the Fund as much as, if not more than, the residents of Naugatuck and Beacon Falls. The U.S.O., Salvation Army and Red Cross are national in scope; the others serve most of the communities in which employees live.

The key word in this year’s campaign is Charity . . . the spirit of giving to help others less fortunate than ourselves. If you didn’t make a pledge, you can still pledge that 25 cents a week by obtaining another pledge card from your department head.

“GIVE WHERE YOU WORK”

Pledging contributions are seated left to right, Carole Calo, Lois Devino, canvasser for Quality Control and Testing Lab, and Sonya Kernasevic. From left standing are Margaret Sweeney, Maria Fidalgo, Anna Pakalnis, Joan Stevenson, Bertha Rascoe and Leslie MacDonald.

Larry Volpe accepts pledge cards from Mechanical Dept. Seated from left are Ralph Buckingham, Ovila Fortier, Odell Hines, Volpe, Adrian Hanley. Standing from left are Sal Falcone, John Napiello, Tony Galletta, Joe Lubinskas, Tony Malone.

Give Exact Employment Place

Telephone operators, front to rear, Mary Dinkle, Ruth Ranslow and Alice Schofield place 25,000 calls a month. Incoming calls are about 50,000 on the 1,000 extensions.

The cooperation of all persons is needed in the following matter which can inconvenience you in your personal affairs.

When it is necessary for you to give your place of employment for reference on personal business, make certain to specify UNIROYAL CHEMICAL or EMIC and give the correct phone number 729-5241. This will speed up the confirmation of your employment.

Fifty telephone inquiries are received daily from banks, stores and loan companies, to verify employment. Many of these calls could be eliminated if you properly state the plant or division where you work. Do not simply use UNIROYAL, because the caller looks upon UNIROYAL in Naugatuck as one plant.

IMPROVEMENTS…

(continued from page 2)

Engineering’s Responsibility

The plant’s engineering department consists of 21 engineers. The group presently has 65 projects in the works for which they are responsible.

But fixing the nuts and bolts; getting machines back into operation; adding an extra year of life to old equipment, and fixing a steam leak requires the skill and experience of the Mechanical department foremen and skilled tradesmen at the Chemical and Synthetic plants.

Investment In People

Plant improvements are essentially an investment in the skills, experience and welfare of the people by the Company. They produce new job opportunities; create better and safer working conditions; and provide the necessary tools and machinery to insure job security in the highly competitive chemical industry.

Free Eye Tests Available

by Sal Aloise

“G Day” is coming up Friday, November 14 for residents of the Greater Waterbury-Naugatuck area.

The “G” stands for glaucoma and a free eye test to spot this dread disease will be given to adults over 35 years of age Friday evening, Nov. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Warren F. Kaynor Regional Technical School, 43 Tompkins St., Waterbury.

The glaucoma screening is under the direction of the Connecticut Society for the Prevention of Blindness and a number of local organizations are cooperating to plan this event. Doctors from the Eye Section of the Connecticut State Medical Society donate their time to give the simple tonometer test.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness among people over 35 years of age. It comes on so gradually the victim is often not aware anything is wrong. This is why it has been called “the sneak thief of sight” by Prevention of Blindness people.

Appointments Announced

Hal Lynch was appointed Purchasing Agent for the Naugatuck plant, succeeding Norv Turner who will continue in an advisory capacity until his retirement in November.

Bob Cranney assumes the duties of Manager of the Synthetic Plant Control Laboratory.

Bill Leukhardt received a special assignment as Production Coordinator.

Doug Klima appointed Process Engineer for the Synthetic plant.

New toluene drying column at Synthetic Pilot Plant will be used to make new types of rubber.

Julius Banno, foreground, machines parts for reel beaters used in Cracking dept. while Ray Goglewski, rear, machines a tuber screw for Millroom B.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 8 – Page 4

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CHEM-TEXTS

Page 4 | Vol. 3 No. 9

Chemical Royals Win Softball Title

[PHOTO: Group photo of softball team members]

Pete Lazaras holds trophies won by Chemical Softball team. In front left to right are Curt Rice, Pete Byra, A. Sardanopoli, Lazaras, Ted Hudzik, and John Zappala. In rear, left to right are Ron Stark, Al Zonas, Vin Rooney, Carl Wehmann, Dan Shantz, Al Zimmermann, John Johnson, and John Swanson, manager of the team. Absent were Brad Swain, Mike Jasman, Jerry Lambiotte and John Shiley.

by J. Swanson and J. Prior

The Chemical Royals took first place in the Naugatuck News Twilight League National Division, winning the first half championship easily but facing a tough task in the second half when they were forced to play a 3-game playoff which they won.

Fighting for the pennant with one of their key players sidelined with an ankle injury, the Royals lost two tough games and their opportunity to take the pennant.

Leading batters for the team were John Johnson, with .595 and Vin Rooney with .509. Dan Shantz led in RBI’s with 53 and Carl Wehmann had 33. Shantz was also the team’s leading slugger with 9 homers. Jerry Lambiotte with a 15-9 pitching record, backed up by the relief pitching of Pete Lazaras with a 5-2 and John Swanson’s with a 4-0 record, helped lead the team to a victorious season.

The Synthetic Cardinals finished the season with a 20-12 record taking second place. Pete LaCharity led the team in batting with .535, followed by John Stamm’s .525 and Charlie Roland with .514. Eric Johnson was the team’s slugger with 12 home-runs. Howard Slason coached the team which consisted of Jim Shea, Joe Wojtczak, Bill Broden, Bill Stinson, Keith Hughes, Fernando Henriques, Vic Kloc, Howard Nixon and John Prior.

CHEM-TEXT Article Promotes Kralon®ABS

1000 reprints of the Kralon® ABS article in CHEM-TEXTS were sent to customers by Rom Rhome, Market Manager for pipe sales. The article discussed the new market potential for Kralon® ABS as underground conduit to replace the unsightly overhead utility poles and wires which mar city streets and the country’s highways.

Joe Bielak, Howard Hogan Retire

[PHOTO: Group of men with retirement cake]

Joe Bielak, seated, D & G foreman shows cake he received on his retirement after 30 years service. Ready to cut the cake are left to right, Tom Carey, Florian Taranovich, George Allen, Joe McKee, Sam Molnar, and Gus Birch.

[PHOTO: Group of men at retirement celebration]

Charlie Roland, URW Local 308 Vice President, congratulates Howard Hogan of the Instrument Dept. after 43 years’ service. Left to right are John Geary, Charlie Roland, Howard Hogan, Fred Simasek, Norm Brummett, and Tom Palmieri.

It Hops, Skips, Jumps and Runs

The new Attex, designed by Uniroyal and the ATV Manufacturing Company does everything but fly. Used for rescue work, hunting, and fishing in almost inaccessible areas, the impact-resistant and steel-like Royalite body is made from Kralastic® ABS, a Chemical division plastic product.

Attex rides on 6 low pressure flotation tires that replace shock absorbers and eliminate the suspension system. The Uniroyal tires feature an exclusive side tread design for extra traction in deep snow and sand; and the deep reverse tread design provides increased maneuverability on water.

The upholstery for the Attex is made from Marvinol® vinyl.

The retail price for the Attex is $1,495.

[PHOTO: Attex vehicle emerging from water in Central Park]

Attex, the newest all – terrain vehicle, climbs out of pond in Central Park, New York with the greatest of ease. The tough, steel-like body is made from Kralastic ABS and contains two plant chemicals. The Research and Development work on Kralastic and Marvinol is done at our Labs and TSSC Bldg.

Employee Benefits Hit $10,826,594

In the first six months of 1969, Uniroyal paid 58,465 claims, totaling $6,218,000 for hospital-surgical bills of Uniroyal employees.

As of March 31, 1969, the Company paid out $4,608,594 in group life, accidental death and dismemberment insurance which covers most employees and retirees in the United States.

The total of these benefits amounted to the staggering sum of $10,826,594.

“GIVE WHERE YOU WORK”

CHEM TEXTS

PUBLISHED BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL, NAUGATUCK, CONN. 06770

EDITOR: William F. Lavelle.

UNIROYAL Chemical
Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770

U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 10
Naugatuck, Conn. 06770

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3, 1969, No. 10 – Page 1

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Page 001

UNIROYAL CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3, 1969 PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL No. 10

The Small Plant In A Big Plant

Exterior of Chemical Pilot Plant is deceptive in appearance. Inside it’s a maze of piping, reactors, and equipment to make new products.

by Gary Arndt

The Chemical Pilot plant, a one story brick building in the Chemical yard, is almost lost among the 142 plant buildings that comprise the Naugatuck plant. Not very impressive from the outside, the pilot plant contains some of the most modern equipment in the chemical industry. Inside is a maze of complex piping, sophisticated reactors, and control systems.

Makes Chemicals For Plant

The pilot plant, operated by the Research and Development department, serves as a small scale plant to evaluate new processes as well as to manufacture new products, preparatory to their production in large volume in the main plant. It also produces low volume chemicals where it would not be economical to build a plant and manufactures several intermediate chemicals which cannot be purchased commercially but are required for the plant’s overall operations. New experimental chemicals are also made by the pilot plant for evaluation by our customers, universities, and the agricultural industry to help develop new markets for us.

Alar® Made In Plant

A large production run of Alar Tech was recently completed. This new growth regulant prevents apples from dropping off the trees and in-

Tony Cilfone, left and Jerry Ferguson discuss the new 100 gallon reactor fitted with mechanical seal agitation and automatic temperature control.

Ben Pranulis, left, and Fran San Angelo operate basket centrifuge used to separate solids from liquids.

creases their storage life. Another chemical produced by the pilot plant is Cyclohexene Oxide, which is an intermediate chemical used in the manufacture of Omite® a new agricultural chemical, used by fruit growers to control mites from chewing up the leaves on their fruit trees.

Improves Safety And Production

The pilot plant contains some of the most modern, expensive equipment in the chemical industry to help us produce better quality products. A year ago a newly purchased Centrifuge-Dryer system, the only one of its kind here in Naugatuck, was put into use. Its purpose was not only to increase the production of Alar, but also to handle the solvent drying step in the process safely. A new 100-gallon reactor fitted with mechanical seal agitation and automatic temperature control was recently installed to improve product quality and make the operator’s job easier.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

Good Morale, Housekeeping

Good morale is hard to define but it’s clearly evident among the people working in the pilot plant. A cheerful, cooperative atmosphere exists and the work-together attitude helps take the humdrum out of the daily routine of the job that everyone experiences. Also noticeable when you enter the pilot plant is the good housekeeping condition of the area. Materials and drums are properly arranged and the area is free of trash and rubbish.

Working in the plant which operates three shifts around the clock are Joe Poudrier, Bob Enamait, Harris Detlefsen, Fran Pikula, Dan Pinto, John Lydem, Julius Cohen, Marcel Hebert, Chris Owens, Al Grella, Tony Cilfone, Fran SanAngelo, Jerry Ferguson, Ben Pranulis, and Casimiro Pereira. Other members of the group are Don Bates and Julius Rek, foremen; and Bronis Zukauskas, materials supervisor. Group Leader for the Chemical Pilot Plant is Colin Walker.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 10 – Page 2

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CHEM-TEXTS

Page 2 | Vol. 3 No. 10

FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER

DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEES:

Have you ever thought about what you are doing to make tomorrow better than today, either for yourself or for others? It seems to me that much of what we will be or will do tomorrow is largely dependent on what we learn today.

No longer can one enjoy for a lifetime the benefits of a formal education. It has often been said that an engineer’s technical knowledge is half obsolete ten years after he graduates. This is true to varying degrees for all of us. Education and learning has become an ongoing lifetime experience.

It is rather strange to realize that while the need for self-improvement and individual growth has never been more clearly recognized, television and other diverse entertainment tempt us into becoming well entertained vegetables. How well will these vegetables grow in tomorrow’s climate of change?

As we pause at this time of the year to give thanks to God for the blessings of the past and present, let’s each take time to plan for our future. For example let’s consider:

  1. What can I do to extend or broaden my knowledge through formal education or by my own reading?
  2. What can I do to prepare myself for a bigger job?
  3. What can I do to better understand our political and economic system?
  4. What can I do to involve myself in the life of my church and my community?
  5. What can I do to better understand who I am, and where am I going?

Sincerely,

[signature]

John D. Evans

Packages Under Study

by Al Manzi

Although we may produce the highest quality products, these products will not be purchased by customers unless the package is delivered in an excellent condition and with a neat, clean appearance. Our agriculture chemical business relies heavily on neat packages displayed in a dealer’s store to help sell the product.

Container failures result in high costs of damages, repackaging and lost customers. We initiated a program of testing with our container suppliers to evaluate and specify the best linings for these chemicals. An area of Building 47 has been caged off for use as a container evaluation laboratory. Samples of containers furnished by suppliers will undergo long range testing with all of our agricultural chemicals. In addition, we will be doing random testing of containers as supplied to inspect the manufacturer’s quality.

The responsibility of clean, properly palleted and stencilled packages still lies with the production groups, materials department, and shipping. When packages are handled by several departments before shipping to a customer, everyone is responsible for the appearance of the package. No matter how well a package is constructed, if it arrives at a customer’s plant torn or dented, he will return it. As a result our production costs increase, the profit on the product is lost, and most important, perhaps we lose a big customer.

Al Manzi holds 5 gallon can for Solo® a new weed killer. The new container has a special lining inside to prevent leaking and a hard paint surface to reduce scratch marks.

Editor’s Note: Before his new assignment as Engineering Superintendent Al Manzi initiated the test program on improving our packages.

$3,235 Awarded Employees For Suggestions

De La Rosa, Iannuzzi, Owens Get Top Amounts

Carmine received more than $200 this year for his suggestions on job improvement and safety.

by Mike Dodd

Since the last issue of Chem-Texts, $3,235 was awarded to employees for their suggestions. Out of the 449 suggestions considered, 218 received a cash award or Honorable Mention for an average of one out of every two employees rewarded with extra cash.

High Awards

Top award winners were Lou De La Rosa with $165; Carmine Iannuzzi with $105 and Norman Owens who also received $105.

Other high cash awards went to J. Dayner, $70; R. Harrison, $70; M. Rosa, $60; R. Lockwood $57.50; W. Fruin, $55; J. Gallucci, $50; and D. LaVorgna, $50.

Synthetic Plant Employee Awards

Synthetic plant employees receiving cash awards of lesser amounts were the following: F. Phelan, F. Miller, J. Sullivan, F. Henriques, W. Stenson, A. Kazemekas, J. Lawton, A. Happy, J. Wojtczak, R. Pilbro, E. Anderson, M. Marro, H. Nixon, E. Root, V. Kloc, F. Merancy, G. Chipko, J. Butkus, H. Slason, Ada Wein, D. Bedard, T. Carr, D. Donato, D. Nelson, R. St. John, J. Mello, L. Raskauskas, F. Surmanek, C. Roland, L. Dumonski, L. Recchia, F. Bedard, R. Manulla, R. Jennings, F. Phillips.

Chemical Plant Employee Awards

Chemical plant cash awards went to J. Gandolfo, B. Zukauskas, F. Ignatowski, A. Cellupica, D. Boyles, H. Rich, D. Polzella, P. DePasquale, A. Urban, N. Tiscione, F. Gagne, M. Yuchnyk, C. Ferguson, A. Krampetz, J. Ciarello, E. Cheney, M. Andrade, O. Gabianelli, W. Anderson, R. Harrison, C. Moruska, P. Hardt, T. Curzi, H. Hedrick, J. Hoey, A. Bilcz, K. Ferreira, D. Mennillo, E. Johnson, Z. Zirdzik, R. Pakalnis, J. Cardella, G. Mitchell, K. Urbsaitis, E. Semaskvich, F. Pikula, F. SanAngelo, B. Pranulis, J. Ferguson, M. Hebert, M. Schultz, L. Schiller, J. Kankel, G. Monahan, R. Ruginis, J. Grabowski, R. Kubick, S. Molnar, T. Ward, N. Vescera, S. Mazan-

Mary Ellen Stinson, left, enviously eyes 11 awards Lou De La Rosa recieved for his suggestions, a total of $165. Shirley Cabral, right, eyes the 7 awards Norm Owens received for a total of $105.

ski, E. Volansky, S. Lantiere, R. Sauvageau, E. Lantieri, J. Enamait, E. Collins, Jr., R. Fratangelo, N. Salinardi, M. Marques, G. Ravenscroft, A. Brodeur, A. Piooli, R. Tucker, C. Moruska, M. Mucci, R. Volz, E. Loeffler, B. Rossi and J. McCarthy.

Honorable Mentions

Honorable Mentions for their suggestions went to A. Happy, J. Wojtczak, F. Miller, R. Lockwood, J. Arbachauskas, J. Painter, D. Powell, J. Sullivan, R. O’Neil, A. Wein, F. Phillips, W. Campbell, R. Gronin, J. Gandolfo, M. Yuchnyk, D. Cormier, S. Lantiere, J. Sickola, Jr., F. SanAngelo, J. Semasko, L. Rinaldi, C. Iannuzzi, W. Ingram, E. Atwood, R. Lydem, C. Parks, D. Pratt, J. Kankel, F. Pikula and M. Smith.

Under the New Idea Plan which becomes effective December 1, 1969, the Honorable Mention awards will be discontinued.

Old Suggestions Will Be Processed

All suggestions submitted under the old suggestion system will be reviewed as quickly as possible and awards made on their merits. Under the new localized administrator plan, the red tape and delay in handling suggestions has been cut out and according to Mike Dodd, the new Idea Plan Expediter, every old suggestion should be processed within the next few months.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 10 – Page 3

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CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3 No. 10 | Page 3

Production Goal Topped By Synthetic Plant’s “C” Crew

The Synthetic Processing C crew averaged 9.2 charged batches of latex daily for one full week, surpassing the 9 batches processed by the A crew recently. This production rate is a significant step in improving our competitive position by manufacturing a lower cost product.

The latex business today is a highly competitive business with large chemical companies as Dow, Goodrich, General Tire, Firestone, Shell and Goodyear competing with us for the same markets and customers. Efficient production of a quality latex, and prompt customer service are essential factors in keeping and improving our present business and ultimately better job security. Like ourselves, our customers are “shoppers”; they shop for the best products at the best price.

Although the C crew went over the goal, it required the combined effort of the A and B crews to achieve it. Continued production of 27 batches a day requires the fullest effort of every person in the Synthetic plant, as every employee in every department plays an important role in its success.

[PHOTO CAPTION:]
In rear left to right are Ralph Pilbro, Howard Slason, Rocco Magnamo, Foreman, and Joe Morrison. Left to right in front, Jerry McCabe, John Kennedy, and Bill Wasilus.

[PHOTO CAPTION:]
Other “C” crew members are rear left to right, Leonard Dumonski, Fred Miller, Fernando Henriques, Al Happy. Left to right front are Frank Dowling and Frank Giordano, Ass’t. Dept. Foreman.

Answer First Ring

Ever feel like throwing the telephone out the window? Or wonder why you go home from work with a splitting headache, tense and tired.

With almost 1,000 phones including extensions, and 50,000 incoming calls a month, plus the thousands of intra office calls each day, the telephone has become a serious detriment to the quiet needed to concentrate on our work, and a tension builder.

By answering the phone on the first ring, you can help reduce the noise in your area. If someone is away from their desk be courteous, and answer their phone. And if you’re the caller and no one answers, after a few rings hang up and call later.

Until the telephone company invents a soft, sweet, musical ring, try answering your phone on the first ring. You’ll go home feeling better . . . and customers will consider us an efficient, interested company.

And always answer the phone in a courteous manner.

No Lost Time Accidents In October

by Sal Aloise

During the month of October we had no lost time accidents, but we did not get away free completely. Injuries did occur during the month, however, which were of a serious nature.

8 Serious Injuries

During October we had eight serious injuries, all of which could have been prevented: one eye injury; 4 sutures; and 3 work changes.

With more effort and more concern, we can and will prevent careless accidents. If everyone helps, we will have an injury-free plant in which to work.

There is an old saying that “repetition is the essence of learning”. Only by constantly repeating to ourselves that “safety is my responsibility” will each employee have a greater concern for his own safety and the safety of his fellow employees. No matter what is done in the plant to improve safety conditions, accidents will happen unless every employee continually reminds himself that he is responsible for his own and his fellow employees’ safety.

Rubber Causes Minor Fire

An accumulation of rubber in the housing of a digestor caused a fire recently through spontaneous ignition. The rubber had worked out of the gasket around the agitator drive shaft and accumulated in the housing between the drive motor and the digestor.

Alert Employee Prevents Damage

An alert employee used a dry powder fire extinguisher to put out the fire and completely covered the rubber accumulation, preventing a reflash before the housing was cleaned out.

Good Housekeeping Prevents Fires

The fast removal of such rubber accumulation is extremely important in the prevention of fire. Good housekeeping around the digesters and Holo-Flite dryer is the only way to prevent spontaneous ignition of rubber, oil and grease from coming in contact with the extremely hot operating equipment.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

PLANT URW LOCALS ELECT OFFICERS

[PHOTO CAPTION:]
New URW Local 218 officers are from left, Don Boyles, secretary; Dom Persutti, vice-president; Joe Rzeszutek, president; and John Hoey, treasurer.

[PHOTO CAPTION:]
Officers of Local 308 will hold office for next two years. From left are Charlie Roland, Vice President; Leon Raskauskas, President; and Rocco Manulla, Treasurer. Standing is Archie Civitello, Secretary.

by Joe Rzeszutek, and Leon Raskauskas

Local 218 of the United Rubber Workers which represents wage employees in the Chemical plant elected Joe Rzeszutek, President; Dom Persutti, Vice-President; Don Boyles, Secretary; and John Hoey, Treasurer in recent held elections for a two-year term.

Elected to the Executive Board were Henry Hook, Edith Evans, Bill Fruin, Frank Maffia, Frank Commendatore, Julius Cohen and Harry Arendholz.

Lost Production Costs Money

Although the fire wasn’t serious, and no damage incurred, it stopped operations and caused lost production time.

Every employee has an individual responsibility to maintain good housekeeping and safety standards in his area. Our safety and jobs depend upon it.

Named Trustees for the Local were Frank Wasilesky and Harry Grant.

Leon Raskauskas was elected President of the United Rubber Workers Local 308 representing the Synthetic plant wage employees. Charlie Roland was elected Vice-President, Archie Civitello, Secretary; and Rocco Manulla, Treasurer.

Executive Board members elected were Walter Bieleski, Art Calder, Ernie Molnar, Wes Burns, John Sullivan and Joe Adamaitis.

Uniroyal Gets $1,478,000 Contract

Uniroyal received an Air Force contract of $540,000 for tubeless aircraft tires as a supplement to a previous contract of $938,000 for a total award of $1,478,000.

Big tire orders depend strongly on the quality of the chemicals made at the Naugatuck plant, and help keep us in business.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 10 – Page 4

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Page 4 | CHEM-TEXTS | Vol. 3 No. 10

Sales Set Record; Profits Drop 10.5%

Sales of Uniroyal, Inc. set new records for the thirty-nine weeks ending September 28, 1969, but profits failed to keep pace with sales, and took a 10.5% drop.

Sales for the nine month period totaled $1,165,502,000, an increase of 9.9% compared with $1,060,659,000 reported for 1968. Profits, however, were $38,184,000, equivalent to $1.33 a share of common stock, 10.5% lower than the $42,650,000 or $1.55 a share for 1968.

The third quarter sales for 1969 were $368,869,000 compared to $341,874,000 for 1968 and net income was $8,292,000 equivalent to 27 cents a common share compared with $12,769,000 or 45 cents a share last year. Third quarter earnings in 1969 were based on a greater number of shares outstanding.

Profits were hurt by increasing inflationary factors, including rising costs for wages and raw materials, as well as higher interest rates on borrowed capital.

The Company also encountered abnormally high production costs for new tire constructions and greater start-up expenses for new and expanded production facilities.

Contact Lenses Are Unsafe

by Bob Shortt

Many employees are not fully aware of the dangers in wearing contact lenses in the plant.

Chemicals and dusts which enter the eye and work their way behind the lens cannot be washed out until the lens is removed. Very often permanent damage to the eye can result before this can be done.

There is a rule which is included in the Laboratory Safety Manual stating, Contact Lenses are not to be worn in the plant. For your own safety and to prevent injury to eyesight, it is extremely important to observe this rule.

Dividend Declared

Uniroyal declared a dividend of 17½ cents a share on its common stock. It will be payable December 24 to stockholders of record on November 24.

This payment will bring total dividends paid on the stock in 1969 to 70 cents a share.

Approximately 65% of the Naugatuck plant employees are stockholders or participants in the Stock Purchase Plan.

Clergy Visit Parishioners

During a recent plant tour, local clergy had a chance to see their parishioners at work. Taking a coffee break during the tour they chat with Neil Melore, Industrial Relations Supervisor. From left are John Letts YMCA Director, Rev. Clark Kuntz, Rev. Robert Hankins, Rev. James Dahlgren and Melore. With back to camera is Rev. Robert Baker.

Sabia, Buckingham Retire

Frank Sabia center, is congratulated by Kirk Kirkendall upon retirement after 27 years. Left to right are Ed Plocha, Kirkendall, Sabia, Don Fuller, and Mike Santone.

Ralph Buckingham is congratulated on his retirement by Sal Falcone. From left are Gene Reale, foreman, Tony Malone, Buckingham, Falcone, Tony Galletta and Ovila Fortier.

Luggage Ideal Xmas Gift

Smart looking luggage, ideal for Christmas gifts, is made from Kralastic® ABS, a tough impact resistant plastic, a product of the Chemical Division. Manufactured by several quality baggage companies, the cases can withstand the toughest abuse a traveller can give them.

Royalite® which is the Consumer and Industrial Division’s trademark for ABS sheet is only 40% the weight of aluminum and just one-seventh the weight of steel.

The attache case at top is a perfect gift for the businessman. On the wicker stool is a lightweight ladies overnight case. For travellers, the two suiter makes an excellent gift. The gun case on which the pretty model is standing demonstrates how tough this steel-like plastic is.

The Employees’ Salesroom at the Footwear plant carries most of the luggage which is available in a wide range of colors.

[Photo caption]: Model demonstrates the steel-like strength of Kralastic ABS, a plastic made by Uniroyal Chemical.

Latest News Bulletins Issued

To keep employees informed on the latest news in the Plant, in the Division and in Uniroyal, News Bulletins are now being issued weekly or semi-weekly. Watch for them on the Bulletin Boards at the three plant entrances, in the Plant, and in your department.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

CHEM TEXTS

PUBLISHED BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL, NAUGATUCK, CONN. 06770

EDITOR: William F. Lavelle.

UNIROYAL Chemical
Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770

U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 10
Naugatuck, Conn. 06770

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3, 1969, No. 11 – Page 1

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Page 001

UNIROYAL

Merry Christmas – Happy New Year

CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3, 1969 PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL No. 11

[IMAGE: Two people decorating a Christmas tree]

Getting ready for the Christmas season, Madelyn Malone, left; and Molly Cobbol decorate tree in lobby of Main Entrance.

Frank Hopkins To Address The Foremen’s Club

by Lou Kaiser

Frank Hopkins, Vice President and General Manager of the Chemical division will address the Foremen’s Club January 15, 1970, at the Elks Club in Naugatuck.

Mr. Hopkins will discuss the present and future busi-

[IMAGE: Portrait photo of Frank A. Hopkins]

FRANK A. HOPKINS

ness outlook for the Chemical division, and the effects of the present economic trends on the divisions and the plant’s operations.

Man Falls, Breaks Leg

by Sal Aloise

A fall from a railroad tank car resulted in a broken leg and a bruised shoulder when an employee slipped and fell backwards. The accident occurred while he was placing a recirculating hose in the dome of the tank car. As a result of the injury he will be incapacitated 8 weeks.

The second lost time accident happened when an employee caught the heel of his foot in an elevator door while he was taking a product from the 1st to the 3rd floor of the building.

Besides the two lost time accidents in November, five serious injuries were reported for the month. This rate of accidents shows little improvement over last year.

With every effort being made by the plant to improve safety, no progress will be made in the prevention of injuries unless every employee continually thinks safety and avoids taking chances.

Now that winter is here, ice and snow conditions require a greater concern for

(Continued on page 4)

Pollution Of Naugatuck River To Be Controlled

by Dick Shaw

The construction of a new liquid waste pretreatment facility at the Naugatuck plant at a cost of almost $3,000,000 has been approved by the Uniroyal Board of Directors. The new facility will control the plants pollution of the Naugatuck river.

The facilities will provide the necessary pretreatment of the plant’s waste waters and will prepare the complex mixture of chemical and water wastes for acceptance into the Borough of Naugatuck’s water pollution control facility.

Lower Cost To Taxpayer

The cooperative venture which provides for treatment of Uniroyal’s wastes in the Borough’s plant will result in lower costs to the taxpayers of Naugatuck and to the Company and will comply with the State’s Pollution Abatement laws.

Lower costs to the taxpayer will be realized since Uniroyal will pay a substantial portion of the operating costs due to the large volume of Company waste flow into the municipal plant.

[DIAGRAM: Schematic showing waste water treatment process flow, including:
– SYNTHETIC PLANT WASTE
– CHEMICAL PLANT WASTE
– NEUTRALIZATION AND PUMPING STATIONS
– WASTE EQUALIZATION TANKS
– OPERATIONS BUILDING
– WASTE WATER COAGULATION AND SETTLING TANKS
– PRETREATED WASTE MIXING TANK
– PRETREATED WASTE TO MUNICIPAL FACILITIES]

R.Smith-69

Schematic drawing shows the new waste water pretreatment facility scheduled for 1972 completion.

Location At South End

The pretreatment facilities will be constructed along the

(Continued on page 4)

[IMAGE: Industrial equipment/construction site]

At right is outflow of waste water into river. New waste water pretreatment unit will control pollution. At left is one of units used to pump waste water to model scale waste treatment unit.

Plant Loses Reclaim Sales

Tentative plans to halt production of bicycle tires and tubes, and reduce production of passenger car, heavy service, and farm tire tubes at the Indianapolis plant would affect our Naugatuck business.

Competition from foreign bicycle tires; the decline in passenger tire tubes, and competitive pressure from low cost tubes were cited as the reasons.

The proposed cutback would affect our butyl Reclaim business which is used for inner tubes.

It will also affect our sales of Aminox®, MBT, MBTS, 710 Stiffener, and Tuex chemical business. These chemicals are used in the manufacture of tires and tubes.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 11 – Page 2

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CHEM-TEXTS

Page 2 | Vol. 3 No. 11

FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER

DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEE:

The season leading up to Christmas is often filled with frantic searching to solve the questions of “what should I give to the wife?” or “what should I give to the kids?” Perhaps in the rush to find the gift, we too often lose sight of the real meaning of the season; perhaps we even lose sight of one gift we could all give to each other, family, friends, as well as those with whom we work. The gift that I’m thinking of is the gift of understanding. The gift of being able to “put ourselves in the other guy’s shoes” to see his problems as he see’s them.

It seems to me that if each of us gave this gift on a year-around basis we would each make a real contribution to solving the economic and social problems facing our nation. I’m sure that we would start to see the “communication gap,” the “generation gap” and, yes, even the “management-labor gap” start to close.

Please accept my most sincere wishes for you and yours for a Most Joyous Christmas and the best of New Year’s in 1970.

Sincerely,

John D. Evans

John D. Evans

Explorers Post Names New Advisors

[IMAGE: Photo of three men]

They attend school two nights a week but still find time to become involved in community and youth activities. Serving as Advisors to the Explorers Post are from left, Terry Mo, Advisor; Pete Gucciardo and Chet Zawacki, Asst. Advisors.

by Bob Smith

The Uniroyal Chemical Explorers Post 103, which is sponsored by the Naugatuck plant, offers students the chance to learn by practical experience about careers in chemistry, science, agriculture, engineering and industry.

The group, supervised by Chemical employees, is part of the plant’s program of involvement in community and youth activities. The Explorers meet on Wednesdays at the TSSC building from 7:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. and is open to boys 14 years old, in the 9th grade or higher, or 15 years old, regardless of grade.

High School girls interested in these activities may also affiliate with the Post.

If your son, daughter, or a friend is interested in joining the Emplorers, contact Bob Smith, Ext. 674.

During the year the Explorers visit such interesting places as MIT, Sikorsky Aircraft, Seavill’s, Uniroyal Chemical’s Agricultural Chemicals Research and Development Laboratories and West Point.

[IMAGE: Photo showing people at what appears to be an industrial/laboratory setting]

John Fredericks, center, a Naugatuck High School student plans a career in chemistry. Bob Drzal, right, of Research and Development explains an intricate water determination apparatus to detect water levels of 1% in chemical compounds. Left is Milt Makoski, Uniroyal Chemical’s coordinator of the Job Observation Program.

Naugatuck High School Students Learn About Careers In Plant

by Milt Makoski

Twenty Naugatuck High School students will get the chance to observe the many career opportunities available to them in chemistry, engineering, marketing, sales, computers, research and development, agriculture, industrial relations, library science, and secretarial work through the Job Observation Program.

The students will not only observe the jobs but will actually perform the work in which they are interested under the guidance of Chemical division personnel. Since many students are still undecided and searching for a career in life the Job Observation Program gives them a practical insight into a career not found in books.

The program which lasts for four months is now in its second successful year and is jointly sponsored by the Naugatuck High School, Uniroyal Chemical and other firms. Coordinators of the Program at the High School are Mr. Richard Leonard, Principal; Mrs. Nellie Beatty and Mrs. Florence Anderson, Guidance Advisors. Milt Makoski, Employment Supervisor is the Chemical plant’s representative for the Program.

Other students who will visit the plant are David Evancha, Donald Allard, Rosemary DeCarlo, Joanne Mambrino, and Theresa Rymik.

If your son or daughter is a Junior at Naugatuck High School and interested in the Job Observation Program, they may still enroll in it at the School.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

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Winter Driving Can Be Safe

Regardless how powerful, how many gadgets, or how easily your car handles, it can’t think. You, the driver must do all the thinking, and a safe driver does a lot during the winter months.

Winter driving can be safe, but it requires constant thinking and alertness behind the wheel. It’s a time for defensive driving and expecting the unexpected happening because of road conditions, other drivers, and yourself.

Watch Out For Ice

It’s smart and safe to stay at least three car lengths from the car in front of you. Drive slower on curved roads and be especially watchful for shady spots on the road where ice may still be present after the rest of the road is clear, and be careful of slippery surfaces on bridges and under viaducts.

How To Get Out of Skid

The best way to come out of a skid is to turn your front wheels in the direction the rear of the car is skidding. After that, be ready to turn the wheel in the opposite direction, to help straighten the car out. Straighten your front wheels. This should correct the skid, and then proceed at a reduced speed.

To help in an uncontrollable skid, do not lock or jam on the brakes but pump them gently and rapidly off and on until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. This gives you both stopping and steering control.

Good Tires, Studs Help

You should have a deep tread on your snow tires for better gripping and traction. Studs help considerably on hard packed snow, on hills and starting off. Studs are also useful on icy roads but drive with extreme care, they are not a 100% answer against skidding. Chains are best for real icy conditions.

Other Safety Driving Tips

Keep a scraper, brush, clean rags or paper towels in the car for cleaning front and rear windows. Also carry a small shovel, a pail of sand or traction mats just in case you get stuck.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 11 – Page 3

by
Page 003

CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3 No. 11 | Page 3

Nine Employees Retire With 336 Years’ Of Service

Volpe, Carroll Had 47 Years With Plant

JOE SMEY retired from the Purchasing department after 40 years service. Joe was a buyer-supervisor of packages used in the plant.

AL CUSSON a department shift foreman in Reclaim Production, retired after 33 years service.

CHARLES HOTCHKISS retired from Mechanical Stores after 27 years service.

$132,000 Paid To Employees For Tuition

Tuition Aid is one of the many Company benefits which Uniroyal employees enjoy. It is available to both salary and wage employees.

Uniroyal paid $132,000 in Tuition Aid for employees in the year ending August 1969. A total of 729 employees took job-related courses under the program, designed to help employees gain or increase their job-related skills. A total of 29 college degrees were awarded to Uniroyal employees under the program.

At the Naugatuck location, 73 employees have improved their education by taking graduate and post-graduate job related courses at colleges in the area. Several employees will receive their master degrees in Business, Engineering and Chemistry this year.

[Photo Caption – Top Left]
Larry Volpe, center, General Foreman in the Mechanical department, receives best wishes on his retirement after 47 years. From left are Julius Banno, George Holmes, Volpe, Ted Hubbell, and Bill Mariano.

[Photo Caption – Top Right]
Angie Mariano, seated center, is congratulated by members of the Control department on her retirement after 39 years service. Seated from left are Edna Crycheau, Angie, and Helen Southard. From left, standing are Marie Marrello, Julie Curtin, Theresa Dalton, Jack Dunn, Joyce Lucarelli, and Marcella Pape.

[Photo Caption – Middle Left]
Leo Carroll, Foreman of the Piper department is swarmed with congratulations on his retirement after 47 years. Seated from left are Joe Samoskas, Carroll, and Frank Pat. In rear from left are John Hoey, Ray Gogolowski, Jim Shea and Tony Galletta.

[Photo Caption – Middle Right]
John Geary, Instrument department Foreman with 27 years service, receives best wishes on his retirement, from at left Elmer Anderson, Joe Adamaitis, Bill Lannon, Tom Palmieri, Geary, Carl Steelfox, Norm Brummett.

[Photo Caption – Bottom Left]
Purchasing department congratulates Norv Turner, seated, on retirement after 39 years. From left are Hal Lynch, Lucy Borzencki, Ed Sands, Dick Krajewski, Jim Heagle, John Callahan, Madelyn Malone, Joe Little, Pat Petti, Edith Dalleywater, and George Louis Jr.

[Photo Caption – Bottom Right]
Paul Suba, center, of Vibrathane Research and Development is congratulated on his retirement by Al Zimmermann after 37 years service. From left is Lou Esposito, Rose Wasoka, Suba, Corrine Guerrera, and Zimmermann.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 11 – Page 4

by
Page 004

Page 4 | CHEM-TEXT | Vol. 3 No. 11

$21,000 Contributed to United Givers

[PHOTO: Image showing people near a vehicle, including children on crutches and adults]

United Givers help the Red Cross provide free transportation to the Cerebral Palsy Center in Waterbury. Penny Litke, left, on crutches, 3 ½ years old, goes three times a week. Helping Penny is her mother, Mrs. Harold Litke. Kathy Magnamo, 8, is held by her mother, Mrs. Robert Magnamo. Kathy attends the Cerebral Palsy Center every day. At right is Roy Woodcock, a volunteer driver. Without the services of the Red Cross and the Cerebral Palsy Center many children would not receive the treatment and care to make their lives happier and fuller. (Naugatuck news photo by J. Jensen.)

by Eric Johnson

$21,000 in pledges were made by Uniroyal Chemical employees to the United Givers fund drive. This is the second successive year that Uniroyal Chemical topped $20,000 to support the 16 charitable, social work, and youth organizations in the fund which in some way touch the lives of every employee or his family.

One Third Of All Firms

The plant’s contributions represent almost one-third of the Industrial division’s goal of $65,000. The success of this year’s campaign reflects the vital concern and involvement of employees in community problems and activities by helping the mentally retarded, children with cerebral palsy, the free blood programs of the Red Cross and the many youth organizations in the Fund.

Four Departments Top Their Goals

Reclaim Production, under the Chairmanship of Bob Foltz, Joe Rzeszutek and Pat Tortorici; Synthetic Production under Chairmanship of Leon Raskauskas, Archie Civitello and Carl Wehmann; Engineering under Vic Anderson as Chairman; and Materials Handling with Hank Lynch, Chairman.

Exceeding last year’s pledges were Chemical Production, Factory Services, Research and Development, and the Accounting Department.

Research and Development contributed the highest amount $5,878, with the Division’s offices contributing $2,841. Every group deserves commendation for their generous support of the drive through the payroll deduction plan and “give where you work”.

More than 1,100 employees participated in the drive with 404 not participating for various reasons. The average pledge of contributors came close to $20 which is one of the highest of any company in Naugatuck and Beacon Falls. While individual contributions varied, some people pledged a $1.00 a week and some contributed $200 annually.

Close Doors, And Windows At Night

by Ed Weaving

With cold weather here and long weekend shutdowns due to the season holidays, foremen, supervisors, and employees of different departments should make sure doors and windows are closed, especially during nights and weekends, to preserve heat in the buildings and prevent freezing of the sprinkler systems.

Chairmen Do Good Job

The success of the campaign was undoubtedly due to the generous spirit of employees, but a good amount of credit belongs to the committee which organized the drive and did the canvassing. The Executive Committee for the drive was Eric Johnson, Chairman, Roger Amidon, Vic Anderson, Joe Bucciaglia, Bob Foltz, Gene Hertel, Frank Lynch, Milt Makoski, Leon Raskauskas, Joe Rzeszutek and Jack Vergosen.

Chairman of the plant sections and departments were Mike Dodd, Bob Grahame, Al Juliano, Paul Laurenzi, Roger Lestage, Stan Mazur, Phil Morin, Doug Ritchie, Sal Sapio, Dom Scalzo, Pat Tortorici, Mary Vergosen, and Carl Wehmann.

During the day windows and doors are often opened particularly if weather suddenly becomes warm, and are left opened during the night when the temperature drops below freezing. This causes freezing of the sprinklers which results in breakage and water discharge. As a result, not only is equipment and material damaged, production stopped, but cleanup operations are involved as well as a shutdown of vital sprinkler protection against fire for the plant’s safety.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

Pollution of Naugatuck River To Be Controlled

(Continued from page 1)

Naugatuck river at the south end of the plant. They will consist of waste collection pipe lines, pumping stations, neutralizing facilities and coagulating – settling basins.

Operations Building And Laboratory

A two story operations building will be constructed for storing and adding waste water treatment chemicals. A laboratory will be included in the building where control analyses will be made to insure that the wastes are pretreated properly for acceptance into the Borough’s water pollution control facility.

Completion Scheduled For April 1972

Completion of construction is scheduled for April 1972 in compliance with orders from the State Water Resources Commission.

The pre-treatment plant is based on extensive laboratory and pilot plant work which has been conducted at the Chemical plant for the past four years at a cost of more than $300,000.

Man Falls, Breaks Leg

(Continued from page 1)

safety both on and off the job. When working or walking outside, watch out for icy patches to prevent slips and falls which may result in serious injuries. Every effort will be made by the Materials department to keep areas sanded but its virtually impossible to sand every spot in the plant.

It’s every employees responsibility to sand an icy area or to report ice or hazardous conditions to his foreman or supervisor who will contact the Materials department to correct the situation.

Major Step In Pollution Control

The Naugatuck River south of Thomaston has been assigned a C classification by the State Water Resources Commission. Class C is defined as “suitable for fish and wildlife habitat, recreational boating and industrial process and cooling”.

The waste water pre-treatment plant is designed to control water pollution consistent with the State requirements for Class C waters.

This water pollution control facility is part of the long range program for improving the quality of the nation’s rivers and lakes.

[PHOTO: Four men in hard hats examining documents outdoors]

Dick Shaw, project engineer for new plant discusses site with, left to right, Gordon Anderson, Shaw, George Vila, and John Evans.

CHEM TEXTS

PUBLISHED BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL, NAUGATUCK, CONN. 06770

EDITOR: William F. Lavelle.

UNIROYAL Chemical
Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770

U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 10
Naugatuck, Conn. 06770

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 – Page 1

by
Page 001

UNIROYAL CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3 PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL No. 4

New Plant Entrance Nears Completion Plant’s Security Is Tightened Up.

The all glass enclosed, new front to Building 84 gives an impressive approach to the plant’s main entrance. Construction of the new building is practically complete except for a few minor details.

The building contains a new reception room for visitors to the plant where plant personnel can meet with them in more congenial surroundings to conduct business, or if necessary, escort them into the plant.

Plant security has been tightened considerably by moving the guard station from Building 75 to the new control center. Guards will be on duty at the Main gate on a 24 hour, daily basis to monitor all vehicles and visitors entering the plant. The glass enclosure provides maximum visibility for the guard to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the plant.

Two turnstiles are located at the main gate. To enter, an employee must insert a magnetized pass to operate the turnstile. Both turnstiles operate without passes in the exit direction to reduce congestion during shift changes.

If an employee forgets his pass, the guard will request identification before allowing entry into the plant. Other turnstiles are situated at the Tire and Synthetic plant entrances.

Besides tighter security control, the new building is another step in the plant’s continuing modernization and improvement program. In recent months several plant buildings have been painted and improved, providing a cleaner and better work atmosphere.

Karl Pittner of the plant engineering department supervised the project. In charge of the electrical system was Jim Carroll.

Doug Miller, engineering superintendent for the plant, and Karl Pittner, project engineer, inspect the new front entrance to the plant.

Paula Auclair, right, uses magnetic pass to “open” turnstile. John Titley shows how gate operates without pass on exit.

Jim Carroll, left, of the engineering department checks the console as Jim Walsh, control station watchman, observes the light indicators.

New Product Made Here

by Bob Mazaika

A new chemical, Antioxidant 439, a nonstaining antioxidant, started production recently in Building 28. The chemical is used in latex for foamed underlay cushioning under carpets. It is also used as a stabilizer in synthetic rubber to protect the rubber in storage and shipping.

The new antioxidant, which prevents the staining or discoloration of latex and rubber products, should help improve the division’s position in the rubber industry. Sales of the new product are expected to double in the next five years.

Frank O’Shea, of the Research and Development Department, was awarded a patent for the new chemical.

Scrubbers Reduce Air Odors

by Ernst Krauss

As part of the plant’s continuing pollution control program a new scrubber was installed in Bldg. 100 to reduce hydrogen sulfide and other odors from discharge into the air.

The scrubber washes the fumes with a caustic water solution, and hence eliminates the emission of foul odors into the air.

A second scrubber was installed in Bldg. 109 where Polygard® is manufactured. The scrubber eliminates the phenolic odors previously discharged into the air. It also provides better ventilation in the building, improving working conditions for the operators.

Rod Ashby of the plant’s engineering department was project engineer.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

URW Suggests 3-Year Pact, Reports Claim

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URW Suggests 3-Year Pact, Reports Claim

6-14-67 [handwritten date]

NAUGATUCK—A URW counter proposal being discussed by Uniroyal and four other major rubber producers calls for a three-year agreement and includes pensions and fringe benefits, it was learned Tuesday.

The United Rubber Workers submitted the counter proposal after rejecting an industry-wide offer Friday.

The three-year counter proposal represents a turnabout in the union stand in the negotiations.

During a mass meeting of the Local 45 membership, held May 29, Pres. George Froehlich reportedly told those in attendance that the union would settle for neither a three-year pact nor an agreement which included pensions and fringe benefits.

According to sources, however, the union has come to the conclusion that the three-year pact was necessary, primarily because it seemed the only way to force the companies into offering higher wage benefits.

When the companies made their original offers, the wage terms and supplemental unemployment benefits were considered inadequate by union negotiators.

Management claimed, however, that none of the items in the contract offers could be raised until they had some idea of what the union was seeking in pension and fringe benefits.

The first hint of significant progress came about two weeks ago, according to sources, when all five companies were scheduled to sit at one table and discuss a pact. The meeting failed, however, due to the union negotiators from Goodrich, the sources claimed.

Election Problems

Despite the problems with the contract itself, sources have indicated that another obstacle in the negotiations is the forthcoming union elections on the local level.

Some of the union negotiators, who are seeking reelection, have been adamant in their demands in order to satisfy the rank and file membership. Uniroyal union representatives, however, were not indicated as being among this group.

The union plan submitted Friday calls for a straight five per cent increase, sources revealed.

Among the items called for in the counter proposal are an increase in pensions to $5.50 per man per year, and supplemental unemployment benefits up to 80 per cent.

Management reportedly had last offered an increase in pensions to $5.25, and supplemental unemployment benefits up to 75 per cent.

Union negotiators claimed that their proposed five per cent general increase would cost the company 73 cents, but management has claimed that it would cost $1.40.

UAW Aid

Although the union has been promised aid from the United Auto Workers Union, sources said that the aid was in the form of a loan.

UAW negotiators have to date chosen to reduce strike benefit checks to $15 from $25 weekly, and try to raise money among URW members still working at General Tire, Goodyear and other smaller rubber firms.

One week’s collection, it was said, brought only $6,000 in donations from rubber workers not on strike.

Not only are there problems within the union, but management is suffering some within the ranks of the five companies, it was reported.

Firestone has been claimed to be the dominant figure in the negotiations, but a Goodyear victory at the Indianapolis Speedway on Memorial Day has resulted in signs of a change in management leadership, according to sources.

Uniroyal Talks Depend On Other Firms, Claim

by

6-15-67

Uniroyal Talks Depend On Other Firms, Claim

NAUGATUCK—Talks between Uniroyal and United Rubber Workers negotiators continue in Cincinnati today, but informed sources said progress would depend on talks between the union and some of the other rubber firms, notably B. F. Goodrich and Firestone.

It is with these two companies, said one source, that the heaviest negotiating is taking place.

A source close to the negotiations said although on the surface some of the labor-management negotiators from other companies seem to say little to each other “a lot is going on underneath.”

Union negotiators were reportedly surprised during recent talks when management challenged a claim that the union’s counter-proposal would cost only 73 cents.

In a surprise move during recent talks, management presented what is referred to as a “roll up” to challenge a claim that the union’s economic package would cost only 73 cents.

In use, sources say, the “roll up” shows that although a raise apparently amounts to, say, 16 cents, the raise may be more like 17 or 18 cents due to the overtime and machine down time.

Union negotiators were reportedly caught off guard by the term, and claimed that management was using a weighted wage figure, and accused them of inflating the cost of the economic package.

Union spokesmen contacted Wednesday night said that this item was no longer a major obstacle and hinted that the union may be reconsidering the apparent cost of the package.

Some of the larger obstacles, it was said, are non-economic.

One such obstacle is referred to as the “bogie.” A golfing term, it has been applied to the efficiency rating used in at least one company’s plants.

A person who works at a particular job, according to plant employes, is expected to turn out a certain number of articles before he is entitled to full pay.

Assuming no breakdowns on the machine, if an employe does not meet his efficiency rating, he will not receive full pay.

These ratings are reportedly established by time and motion study men.

It is the union’s contention, say sources, that older people in the plant cannot always produce what a younger employe can produce, and some of the ratings are therefore to high, causing the union to want them eliminated.

It has been learned that the union’s counter proposal includes pensions and fringe benefits, which have come under a separate contract in the past.

Although some of the union negotiators are far from happy about discussing these items in a master contract, the union has reportedly found it necessary to do so in order to obtain the goals sought in the master contract.

As yet, however, the rank and file union members have not had the opportunity to express their wishes, at least to local negotiators, concerning pensions.

While the International URW funds are running low, efforts are in progress to obtain donations from URW workers who are not on strike. The efforts have been reportedly unsuccessful. During one week of canvassing, only $6,000 in donations were obtained.

Duration Record Will Be Set In URW Strike

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6-16-67

Duration Record Will Be Set In URW Strike

If the United Rubber Workers strike continue past Saturday, a new record will be set for duration of strikes in the rubber industry. In 1959, the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. was struck by URW for 58 days.

Negotiations continued yesterday with the groups still discussing a counter-proposal submitted by the union last week. Talks are scheduled to continue today.

The membership of the three borough Locals faithfully take their turn at picketing at the plants here in Naugatuck. The pickets are stationed at the Footwear plant gates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. leaving their strike placards hanging on the gates at night. Pickets are at the Chemical Co. gates on a round-the-clock basis; sitting in their cars on rainy days and can be seen lounging on blankets on the hot humid days.

Some strikers have found other employment on a full time basis in other industry in the area, according to reports, terminating their employment at UniRoyal.

The union is seeking a higher hourly rate and a 95 per cent supplementary benefit for workers who are laid off. The “Big Five” has dubbed the demand as a “request for a guaranteed annual wage.”

Tire workers currently average $3.69 an hour while other production workers average $2.68. The union is also trying to do away with the pay differential for the two classes of employes.

Negotiations between the rubber companies and the union continue on a daily basis but, thus far, there has been no signs of settlement.

According to sources, true negotiations have begun at last. Both sides are giving on a few minor points.

Sessions began in Cincinnati on March 20, one month before the contract was due to expire. Up until this point, neither side was willing to give. The companies knew what they wanted to give and the union clung to its demands.

Uniroyal May Appeal Court Order

by

Uniroyal 7-18-67

May Appeal

Court Order

NAUGATUCK — Uniroyal,
Inc. is considering an appeal to
the Connecticut Supreme Court
for a reversal of a restraining
order issued Monday against
production of sample shoes at
the company’s strikebound Foot-
wear Plant here.

An attorney for the firm said
this morning that a decision on
whether or not the company will
seek to have the injunction over-
turned will be made late today.

He said that even if the ap-
peal is filed it is not likely to be
heard by the high court until
mid-September. The injunction
would remain in force during
the interim.

The restraining order was is-
sued Monday by Superior Court
Judge Leo V. Gaffney on the re-
quest of Local 45 of the United
Rubber Workers Union.

The union claimed that prod-
uction of the footwear samples
by non-union employes violated
an agreement signed by the
company and the union April 18
three days before the current
strike began.

Judge Gaffney indicated he
was issuing the order in an ef-
fort to prevent a recurrence of
violence on picket lines, such as
occurred earlier in the strike
when the company attempted to
make shipments from the Maple
St. plant.

Negotiations in the 89-day old
strike were scheduled to resume
today, it was reported by Ray-
mond Mengacci, vice president
of Local 45.

Uniroyal Resumes Talks With URW

by

7-21-67

Uniroyal Resumes Talks With URW

CLEVELAND (AP) — It’s three down and two to go, a United Rubber Worker spokesman said Thursday after the union and Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. agreed to a tentative three-year contract.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Uniroyal resume bargaining with the URW today.

Firestone, the B. F. Goodrich Co. and the General Tire & Rubber Co. all settled within one week for the same basic contract, setting a pattern that could be followed by the last two. firms.

A Firestone spokesman said it was the “largest package negotiated in 30 years.”

If ratified, the company said 17,000 production workers in 11 plants will go back to work as rapidly as facilities can be reopened and schedules established.

The hourly wage hike in the Firestone settlement is 43 cents over three years, with skilled workers getting an extra 10 cents the first year. Top hourly rate is now $3.88. The contract expires April 20, 1970. Various benefits also were increased.

Progress Signs Seen In Talks

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Progress Signs Seen In Talks

Friday MAY 19, 1967 [handwritten]

NAUGATUCK Negotiations between the United Rubber Workers and Uniroyal, Inc. are scheduled to continue today in Cincinnati, with informed sources indicating Thursday that signs of progress are being made.

As the strike entered its fifth week, rumors swept the borough to the effect that Firestone had either settled or was very close to settlement. The rumors remained unconfirmed, however, as sources claimed that Firestone did not meet with the union Thursday. They, too, however, are scheduled to meet today.

The signs of progress in the Uniroyal talks were indicated when informed sources said that the number of issues being discussed had dropped from approximately 50 to about 20. What any of the issues are, however, remains unknown.

In addition, sources said, management had offered a guaranteed annual wage amounting to 75 per cent base wage in case of layoffs. The union is reportedly seeking over 90 per cent.

Details of the 75 per cent clause could not be obtained.

The scene in the borough remained quiet again Thursday, and many pickets seemed more cheerful as the rumors of Firestone’s progress ran around town.

In Waterville, a trucker approaching the URW picket line at a Uniroyal warehouse there chose to honor the picket and the truck was taken into the warehouse without incident by a white collar employe.

Local 218 Protests Uniroyal Statement

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Local 218 Protests Uniroyal Statement

Local 218 Protests Uniroyal Statement

5-28-67 [handwritten date in top right corner]

NAUGATUCK—Officials of Local 218, United Rubber Workers, claimed Saturday that “inaccurate statements were made by the factory manager of Uniroyal Chemical Plant”, in relation to the management’s decision to use supervisory personnel to operate process equipment at the plant while the company is being picketed by the local in its strike for the past five weeks.

Union officials said Saturday: “The union wishes to set the record straight on the qualifications of the supervisory personnel who are operating the process equipment.

“Mr. John Evans, plant manager, stated that the supervisors normally train the regular operators, when in fact new or transferred operators are trained by qualified operators from the bargaining unit.

“Mr. Evans’ consideration for the safety of personnel, as well as the residents of Naugatuck, can be refuted by the fact that in some instances it has taken months to force the company to correct safety hazards in the plant. It also has been necessary to resort to the grievance procedure and use the extreme measure of refusing to operate some process equipment.

“As for the production of material vital to the defense effort in Vietnam, only one item is indirectly related to the Vietnam conflict, which is the protective stripping used by sub-contractors for shipping purposes. All other production being done in the plant is strictly for commercial purposes.

“The inaccurate statements made by the factory manager of Uniroyal Chemical can be attributed to his inexperience due to the fact that he was only recently appointed to the post of factory manager,” the officials claimed.

UniRoyal – URW Show Cause Hearing Thurs.

by

UniRoyal – URW
Show Cause Saturday
Hearing Thurs. MAY 27, 1967

Superior Court Judge Leo V.
Gaffney continued the hearing
for an injunction sought by the
Chemical Division of UniRoyal
against the United Rubber
Workers Friday.

The continuance followed an
early morning session of peace-
ful picketing by Local 218 at
the Elm Street entrance to the
plant. No personnel were denied
entry.

In its court appearance
Thursday, the local must show
cause why an injunction should
not be issued against “illegal
picketing activities.” Eight
pickets were arrested at the
same gate Thursday morning.

At that time, pickets were
attempting to prevent manage-
ment personnel from entering
the plant to produce items said
to be necessary to the Viet-
nam war effort.

Judge Gaffney said he knew
“There was a spark of patrio-
tism” in everyone and added
that he hoped this would lead to
a lessening of tensions at the
Chemical plant.

Union President Joseph
Rzeszutek firmly denied that
any of the items produced
Thursday were going to Viet-
nam. He was one of the eight
arrested.

No witnesses were called in
the case. Judge Gaffney met with
union and management lawyers
in chambers and then issued
the order in open court.

Please Turn to Page 10

Mass Picketing At Synthetic Plant Leads To Arrest Of Four Persons

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Mass Picketing At Synthetic Plant Leads To Arrest Of Four Persons

Mass Picketing At Synthetic Plant Leads To Arrest Of Four Persons

5-31-67 [handwritten notation]

NAUGATUCK—Mass picketing by members of Local 308 at Uniroyal’s Synthetic Plant, this morning, led to the arrest of four pickets, after an attempt was made to prevent management personnel from entering the plant.

Two of the pickets had to be forcibly ejected by police, following the reading of the riot act from the state statutes by Capt. Joseph Summa, when they refused to step aside for the plant’s personnel. All personnel entered the plant, after a wedge had been formed by about a dozen police breaking the picket line.

The four arrested were brought to police headquarters, for booking in the patrol cars. However, about 30 of the pickets also arrived at the station asking to be arrested in sympathy with those already arrested.

Arrested on charges of breach of peace were John A. Painter, 38, Morris Rd., Prospect; Paul Laurenzi, 41, 30 Serry Rd., Wolcott; Jesse J. Silva, 23, 143 Cherry St. and Anthony Gambardella, 54, 53 Brichwood Rd., Seymour. Court appearances were set for June 8.

Edward Alves, president of the local, said this morning that management had informed the union that production would begin at the plant today, which had resulted in the mass picketing.

Questioned Decision

Alves questioned the decision of the management, criticizing its actions in attempting production with “unskilled personnel.” The union president further asserted that because of the “danger of work involved at the plant, a disaster could occur, not only endangering the lives and property of those in close proximity to the plant, but to also those in the neighborhood.”

Alves said the union has contacted the insurance company on whether they had been informed of the production work by the unskilled personnel and reported the insurance company had not been notified to date. He said periodic inspections are conducted at the plant due to the nature of work involved.

Third Plant Involved

The mass picketing at the Synthetic Plant, makes the third plan of the Uniroyal company to be involved since the three plants were struck 41 days ago.

Both Locals 218 of the Chemical and 308 of Synthetic Plants have maintained around-the-clock picketing since the beginning of the strike.

It could not be determined today if management will seek an injunction against the Synthetic Local.

UniRoyal Struck As Talks In Ohio Come To Stop

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UniRoyal Struck As Talks In Ohio Come To Stop

4-21-67 [handwritten notation]

PICKETS formed this morning on Maple St. in front of the Central Office of UniRoyal’s footwear division. Everything was done in an orderly fashion and no incidents have been reported. Negotiations between the rubber firm and the union broke down shortly after midnight today.

—(News photo by Nichols)

By CYNTHIA BARAN
and
RUTH NICHOLS

United Rubber Workers Union members struck UniRoyal, Inc., and three other giant rubber firms across the country today as contract negotiations in Ohio came to a halt.

Approximately 65,000 workers for the rubber firms are out, including some 22,000 UniRoyal employes, about 5,000 of which are in Naugatuck.

A company official said today it had offered to continue the contract on a day-to-day basis but that the union declined.

Negotiations broke down shortly after midnight this morning, and a new session has not been scheduled as yet.

The situation in Naugatuck is very quiet with everyone apparently keeping an eye to the Ohio negotiation scenes.

Local police, which has added 10 extra patrolmen to duty, reported no incidents.

UniRoyal workers maintained an all-evening vigil while waiting for word from the negotiation table in Cincinnati, Ohio. At 12:30 a.m., George Froehlich, president of Local 45, got a phone call through to headquarters with one word: Strike!

Within minutes, picketing was organized and third shift workers were pouring out of the gates. Several workers interviewed said they hoped the strike would end soon.

John Braziel, a member of Local 45, said, “Although we don’t like to go on strike, it is sometimes necessary to settle contract disputes.”

When asked what they will do during the strike, many workers, hoping the strike will not be too long, said they would “do spring cleaning in the house and in the yard,” “relax,” “picket.”

The strike affects four major rubber companies, Firestone, Goodrich, Goodyear and UniRoyal. In Naugatuck, the chemical, footwear and synthetic divisions will lie idle until the strike is settled.

Headquarters at the Portuguese Club were occupied all evening. Phone calls were frequent. By 11:30 the phones were ringing incessantly. At 11:45 Froehlich called informing the other union officials that Firestone had left the negotiation table, but that UniRoyal was still bargaining. He indicated that “it did not look good.”

It appears that the strike was called after the management of the company offered its counter proposal which did not satisfy the workers’ representatives.

Earlier in the evening, local residents speculated on the possibilities of a strike. “I think they’ll go on strike and if they do it’ll be a long one.” A store clerk, “I want one so I won’t be so busy here, but then again, I don’t want one because my mother will be home to keep a stricter eye on me.” Customer at a local gas station, “A strike is bad for any town.”

Froehlich Returns From Ohio Parleys

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Froehlich Returns From Ohio Parleys

4/25/67 [handwritten]

NAUGATUCK—Union members of Locals 45 and 218 of United Rubber workers were informed on the progress of negotiations in Cincinnati although union officials declined to say what specifically had been discussed at the meetings Monday.

The presidents of the three locals, George Froehlich from Local 45, Joseph Rzeszutek from Local 218 and Edward Alves from Local 308, returned from Cincinnati over the weekend for a breather and a chance to talk to the union members.

Whether the meetings held were for information only or for policy review was not learned, although Froehlich siad he had “met with the executive board” Monday morning. He will return to Cincinnati today to resume negotiations Wednesday.

Although picketing remains quiet at the borough operations, with no official report of difficulties, officials of the Chemical Division, Local 218, report that members of the local will picket the plant “24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

In addition, it was reported, members will picket in three-hour shifts. Local 218 began a buildup of picketing Friday when some members decided to picket throughout the night and most of Saturday.

Local 45, Footwear Plant, continue to picket in two-hour shifts from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The same procedure is being used by Local 308.

The Associated Press reported that pickets from a rebel Chicago local paraded Monday at facilities of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. — the only one of the industry’s “Big Four” not hit by a URW strike.

Work continued on a day-by-day basis at Goodyear under a contract extension after the contract ran out Thursday.

Although talks are reportedly still in progress between Goodyear and the URW, some 500 members of Local 532 walked out at Goodyear’s industrial hose plant in North Chicago. Local leaders said they would try to urge other Goodyear locals to follow suit.

A score of pickets at the plant carried signs saying,”Must we stand alone?” and “Local 532 on strike.”

Besides the approximately 5,000 workers at the borough Uniroyal plants, some 16,000 other Uniroyal employes connected with the URW are on strike, as are 17,585 at Firestone and 10,930 at B. F. Goodrich.

2 Union Vice-Presidents Included In Arrests; All Charged Breach/Peace

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2 Union Vice-Presidents Included In Arrests; All Charged Breach/Peace

Sep 67 [handwritten notation in top right]

By Ruth Nichols

Forty-three UniRoyal strikers were arrested this morning including Raymond Mengacci, vice-president of Local 45 and Cy Blanchard, vice-president of Local 218, as police attempted to restore order to the picket lines on Maple St.

In the midst of the scuffle, which began early this morning, one man, Nunzio Finateri, about 51, was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital with a possible heart attack.

Both policemen and pickets received minor injuries as management attempted to cross the lines to enter the UniRoyal buildings.

Maple Street was closed to traffic about 7:30 this morning for an hour, until order was restored. By 8 a.m. all office workers were allowed through the line without incident.

Several groups of women gathered together on Church St. and waited for their male supervisor before attempting to enter the offices.

The first group of strikers arrested were brought forcibly to police headquarters; later however, the mood changed and the arrested strikers came in on their own to be booked. All strikers were charged with breach of peace and bond set at $150.

It was noted however, that although Local 45 is 80 per cent women, only men were booked this morning. Three police officers were at the desk, one in the file room and one in the detective’s room, booking the men as fast as possible to clear out the station.

When the bookings first began, the main room of headquarters was so full that those arrested were lined down the hallway.

Capt. Joseph Summa, in charge of the special force on strike duty, ordered a crowd dispersed outside the station where a retired employe of UniRoyal was attempting to incite pickets and stop the white collar workers from entering the buildings.

No personnel were entering the buildings through the warehouse, but rather coming through the Maple St. gate and then crossing over into the warehouse area.

Both policemen and strikers were bruised in the melee. Some women were on the outer edge of the picket line with others in the center.

women on the outside left the line and the women in the center had to wait their opportunity to leave.

Officer Jerry Sirica was the officer in charge of the policemen on duty at the Maple St. gates under the supervision of Capt. Summa.

Policemen received twisted arms, kicks in the shins, feet stepped on, and in one case, a hand bitten as they struggled with the pickets.

The pickets were ordered to keep moving in an orderly fashion once the scuffling was over until calm was insured.

Rumors are strong that a restraining injunction will be served upon the URW Unions before the day is out, but no confirmation has been received.

A report of police brutality was threatened following an incident last night when attorneys were trying to leave the plant and the picketers were not going to permit them through.

To add to the general confusion this morning, crowds of people were going home from St. Francis Church, adding to the already heavy traffic flow.

than 24 hours that UniRoyal would attempt to move some materials out of the warehouse on Rubber Ave. early this morning.

By noon today, however, no activity was attempted in this direction. Orderly picketing was going on by a large group of strikers on Elm St., next to the warehouse.

Union leaders were dividing their times between the Maple St. gates, the Rubber Ave. warehouse and another warehouse in Beacon Falls. Some picketers were picked up from the Rubber ave. facility and driven to Beacon Falls to add to those already there.

Rumors about the activity in the two towns ran rampant this morning. Word that more than 100 people had been arrested was heard being passed from picket to picket.

ONLY MOMENTS BEFORE he was arrested by Naugatuck police this morning, Cy (Doc) Blanchard, center, held the attention of striking members of Local 45, United Rubber Workers, at the central office entrance of the Uniroyal Footwear plant. Blanchard, vice-president of Local 218, URW, at the firm’s striking Chemical Division, was among union officials and members arrested today.—King Photo.

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5-4-67

ONLY MOMENTS BEFORE he was arrested by Naugatuck police this morning, Cy (Doc) Blanchard, center, held the attention of striking members of Local 45, United Rubber Workers, at the central office entrance of the Uniroyal Footwear plant. Blanchard, vice-president of Local 218, URW, at the firm’s striking Chemical Division, was among union officials and members arrested today.—King Photo.

DOZEN POLICEMEN stand in a cluster at a Maple St. gate of Naugatuck’s Uniroyal footwear plant today moments before moving into crowds of striking United Rubber Workers to make arrests for breach of the peace. Those arrested were escorted to nearby Police Headquarters for booking.—King Photo.

Uniroyal Quiet After Flareup

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Uniroyal Quiet After Flareup

5-5-67

NAUGATUCK — After a Thursday morning flareup between police and pickets at the Uniroyal Footwear Division plant, in which 50 people were arrested on charges of breach of peace, the scene became quiet for the remainder of the day, even to the point that pickets permitted a postal shipment to leave the main warehouse.

Negotiations between top management and labor representatives continued during the day in Cincinnati without settlement, and at the end of the day, the rumored injunction being sought by management had not been received.

Police Chief Frank J. Mariano said Thursday night that he attributed the calm which prevailed after the clash to the “excellent cooperation” among those arrested, particularly to two high ranking local officials.

Chief Mariano said that he felt that the police force, under the leadership of Capt. Joseph Summa, had done “an excellent job” quieting things down, but that the job might have been more difficult ha d Local 45 Vice President Raymond Mengacci and Local 218 Vice President Cyrus Blanchard not cooperated as they did.

The actions of Mengacci and Blanchard, said Chief Mariano, “averted possible rougher incidents.” When the two vice presidents were arrested, he added, the peaceful attitude which they exhibited set the tone for the remaining pickets, who went quietly to the police headquarters.

At about 5 p.m., according to Local 45 Secretary Rita Ruggiero, a postal shipment was permitted by pickets to leave the main warehouse. Rumors that a shipment would be made by helicopter remained rumors, and no such shipment was made.

The scuffle in the early hours of Thursday morning brought out the entire police force, some of whom had had only a few hours rest before the call to return to duty.

In addition to the regular force, supernumerary policemen were called out to force their way through the 100-man picket line at the Maple St. gate, and provide a passage way for office and supervisory personnel. The office personnel eventually made their way in.

The first group, arrested about 6:45, had to be physically forced to the police station, across the street from the trouble spot. Only after Police Capt. Joseph Summa read the riot act in the state statutes over a bullhorn to the unruly crowd did the commotions begin to settle.

Women in the picket line and in the group trying to get into the plant began to cry as the tension mounted, and the evidence of possible physical violence rose. Police blocked off Maple St. to all traffic during the height of the scuffle.

Although police did not use clubs or other devices to restrain the picketers, several minor injuries were reported. One striker, Nunzio Finateri, 52, Union City Rd., was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury, where he was X-rayed, treated the scuffle, and complained of pains in his chest.

Several policemen and picketers were bruised in the clash, although there were no reports of medical treatment other than Finateri’s

At 7:45 a.m., when workers for the 8 o’clock shift began to arrive, a second outbreak flared up, but was quickly squelched by police.

Those arrested during the second outbreak did not resist being taken to the police station, as the first group had.

As to what would happen Friday, when office workers and supervisory personnel are to return to work again, Mengacci said, “We haven’t got the slightest idea. We have been conferring with our attorneys, and we expect to play it by ear as we go along. We have heard that we will be served with an injunction, but have not received any word to date.”

LOOKING SULLEN as management and office workers file into the Maple St. gate of UniRoyal Raymond Memorial, vice-president of Local 45, URW, checks each person to be certain all are UniRoyal employees. Some who didn’t have UniRoyal badges shown prominently were asked to display them.

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LOOKING SULLEN as management and office workers file into the Maple St. gate of Uni-Royal, Raymond Mengacci, vice-president of Local 45, URW, checks each person to be certain all are UniRoyal employes. Some who didn’t have UniRoyal badges showing prominently were asked to display them. —(News photo by Jensen)

[Handwritten note on right margin:]
8-5-67

Court Restrains Uniroyal Pickets

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Court Restrains Uniroyal Pickets

5-6-67 [handwritten]

By PATRICK KEATING
Register Staff Reporter

NAUGATUCK — Management of the Footwear Division, Uniroyal, was granted an injunction against Local 45, United Rubber Workers, Friday afternoon at Waterbury Superior Court which will restrict the overall picketing by the union of the plant, effective immediately.

See PHOTO Page 25

The injunction, which had been sought by Uniroyal, will limit the manner of picketing and also restrain the union from stopping management personnel, company trucks, and independent carriers from entering and leaving the Footwear premises.

Management had requested the court action to curb in the future any near-rioting that was prevalent Thursday and Friday as pickets clashed with management personnel and police.

Seventy-one union members were arrested for a breach of peace and several hospitalized during the two-day outbreak.

Local 45 had challenged the entry of office help and supervisors, and also sought to prevent the company from shipping merchandise to its customers.

Friday afternoon, the company was able to have the New Haven Railroad switch five freight cars into its central warehouse. These cars are being loaded by male supervisory help and will be shipped as early as possible.

Pickets were unsuccessful in their efforts to prevent the freight cars from entering the warehouse on its spur line. The switching engine was manned by railroad officials as the regular crew, members of the Brotherhood, recognized the strikers by refusing to cross the picket line.

Two of the pickets were injured slightly by contact with the moving freight train which forced the strikers to jump to

See UNIROYAL Page 2