Edward Alves

Mass Picketing At Synthetic Plant Leads To Arrest Of Four Persons

by
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.

Froehlich Returns From Ohio Parleys

by

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.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 2 No. 3 – Page 3

by
Page 003

CHEM-TEXTS

Page 3 | Vol. 2 No. 3

HOUSEKEEPING IMPRESSES G. VILA ON PLANT VISIT

In 1936 George R. Vila joined Uniroyal Chemical, worked in the labs for a short time and became a salesman for rubber chemicals. 32 years later he returned to the Naugatuck plant where he started his career, as chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Uniroyal, Inc. for a full day visit of the plant facilities.

After a quick tour of the EMIC and TSSC buildings, Mr. Vila led F. Hopkins, G. Anderson, J. Evans, J. Cronin, B. Leach, H. Scullin and R. Van Allen on a “jogging” trip through the plant that ended late in the day.

The housekeeping, cleanliness of the plant and the buildings impressed Mr. Vila considerably. Since his last visit to the plant, he “was startled at some of the changes that have taken place — new machinery, new methods, and new products.”

As he stated in Uniroyal World, “I was also impressed by the fact that many things have’nt changed, particularly those concerning the human beings who do the work in our factories . . . Whether executive, manager, salesman, scientist or production worker, we are striving for the same things, sharing the same difficulties, and enjoying the same advantages”.

With housekeeping in tip top shape through the efforts of the Materials Dept. and every employee, the challenge is to keep it this way . . . even improve it. Everyone prefers to work in a clean plant; they not only enjoy the better working conditions, but safety is improved and injuries avoided.

L to R: James A. Cronin, Superintendent of Chemical Production watches as George R. Vila, President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Uniroyal, Inc., shakes hands with Edward C. Watts who has worked for the Chemical division 42 years.

L to R: On his tour Mr. Vila stops in to visit Patrick P. Sgrillo while John D. Evans, center, looks on.

Cerinus J. Barriault of the Materials Handling Department unexpectedly meets George R. Vila as he leaves Bldg. 86 Warehouse. On the left is Herbert P. Scullin, Superintendent of Materials Handling; with back to camera on the right is John D. Evans.

L to R: Cyrus J. Blanchard, Vice-President of Local Union 218 of the United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum and Plastic Workers of America looks on as George R. Vila shakes hands with Joseph Rzeszutek, President of Local Union 218. Seated at right is Walter M. Scott.

Gordon A. Anderson, George R. Vila and Dr. Charles D. McCleary, Director of Research and Development for the Uniroyal Chemical division, converse with Edward Alves, President of Local Union 308 of the United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum and Plastic Workers of America.

L to R: Francis D. Maher, Kermit M. Snyder, Edward A. Szczesiul and Nunzie A. Ruby, Chemical Production operators welcome George R. Vila as Gordon A. Anderson, Director of Manufacturing for the Chemical division, James A. Cronin and John D. Evans watch.

Synthetic Production, Materials Handling Win Dinners

The Dinner award winners for the first quarter of the year were the Synthetic Production and Material Handlings department. Both departments worked 3 consecutive months without a lost time or serious injury. Free dinners at a restaurant of their choice were given to Armanda Vierira of the Materials Dept. and William Wasilus of Synthetic Production.

In the second quarter of the year (April, May, and June) no department qualified for the “Free Dinner” award. Safety slipped in every department with a lost time or serious injury occurring in each department during the three months.

To qualify for the $15 Dinner Award, a department must work 3 months of the quarter without a lost time or serious injury.

Two Departments Win July Contest For Free Coffee.

Only two departments worked without a lost time or serious injury in July to qualify for “Free Coffee.” The departments were Chemical Maintenance and Synthetic Maintenance. The “Free Coffee” cards can be picked up from foremen or supervisors.

Debra Dubinsky Gets Foremen’s Club Scholarship

Lou Kaiser, president of the Uniroyal Chemical Foremen’s Club announced that Debra Dubinsky, a senior at Kennedy High School, was the first recipient of the $250 scholarship award initiated this year. Her mother is presently employed in the Order Processing Department. The scholarship was available to employees’ sons or daughters who were high school seniors and planned on a college education.

The committee of Dr. Phil Paul, Joe Murtha, Tom Dowling, and Hank Lynch selected Miss Dubinsky on the basis of her scholastic record and her participation in school and civic activities. She will attend Central Connecticut State College, majoring in mathematics and plans a career in teaching upon graduation.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 2 No. 5 – Page 3

by
Page 003

CHEM TEXTS

Page 3 | Vol. 2 No. 5

Harry Witt Heads Synthetic Production

Harry Witt has been named Synthetic Production Superintendent, effective Dec. 1. Ben Leach becomes Manager of Colloidal products in the Research and Development Dept.

How You Can Obtain A Pair Of Safety Prescription Glasses

Fred Mayo of the Process Development Lab. selects frames for safety prescription glasses from Adeline Farrar R.N., Chemical Hospital nurse.

The Naugatuck plant has a program which is operated by the Safety Department to enable all Chemical division employees to obtain prescription safety glasses at no cost to the employee, except for the examination and fitting fee.

The procedure is simple. An employee may go to either the Chemical or Synthetic hospital and obtain a prescription safety glass form from the nurse. He takes the form to his own eye doctor and has an examination. The employee pays for the cost of the examination and returns the completed form to the plant nurse. At this time he may also select the frame he prefers from samples in the hospital. The Company then sends the prescription to the Wilkie Optical Company and purchases the glasses.

Effective January 1, 1969, all prescription glasses will be returned to the doctor or optician of your choice for proper checking and fitting. In some cases an additional fitting charge may be made, depending upon the agreement you have made.

Here are other facts you should know: 1. You may buy an extra pair of glasses for yourself, if you wish and take advantage of our Company discount, provided the prescription is less than one year old. 2. You may also purchase prescription sun glasses at the same discount. 3. You may obtain a free pair of glasses whenever you require a new prescription. 4. Lenses or frames damaged as the result of an accident in the plant are replaced free of charge.

[PHOTO CAPTION:]
Uniroyal Chemical’s United Fund Campaign Committee looks at the “thermometer” showing the results of the drive at the plant where employees topped their goal by 103%. Left to right are Doug Miller, Sam Gillette, Bob VanAllen, the Industrial Division’s Chairman; Joe Kresziutek, Ron Mitchinson, pointing to the $20,646 figure and Bill Lavelle. Other committee members not in the photo were Ed Alves, Eric Johnson, and Len Lombardi.

Employees Contribute $20,646. Top United Givers Goal By 103%

Ron Mitchinson, Chairman of the United Givers Campaign at the Naugatuck plant announced the results of the Chemical Plant’s drive. Employees contributed $20,646 or 103%, topping the plant’s Goal of $20,000. This surpasses by almost $3,000 the previous high of $17,737 contributed by employees to the 1967 United Givers Drive. The success of this year’s campaign can be attributed to the enthusiastic efforts of the Campagin Committee, the ninety-five Co-Captains, and the generous support of the Chemical division employees.

Accidents Continue At High Rate

In the ten months of this year, 79 lost time and serious injuries have occurred. Most of these resulted from a careless act or operation. We each must accept responsibility for our own actions and the safety of all.

MONTH LOST TIME SERIOUS IN-JURIES TOTAL
JANUARY 2 2 4
FEBRUARY 3 5 8
MARCH 2 6 8
APRIL 2 6 8
MAY 0 11 11
JUNE 0 7 7
JULY 2 7 9
AUGUST 4 4 8
SEPT. 0 8 8
OCTOBER 2 6 8
TOTALS 17 62 79

New Food Vendors Service Plant

By Monday, December 2nd, all food and beverage vending machines in the plant will have been replaced with brand new machines to provide plant employees with better food service.

The new firm, Indiana Vendors, has proposed several basic changes which will eliminate the problems we have experienced in recent months; machines out of order, empty or not giving the proper change, and food often neither fresh nor of uniform high quality. There will be an on-site maintenance man who will be in charge of keeping all machines operating properly in all respects. All food will be prepared and wrapped in the Synthetic Plant kitchen facilities. This means that food in the machines will have been prepared an hour or two before being put into the vending equipment. It also means that when more departments than usual are scheduled to run over a weekend or holiday, extra sandwiches can be prepared at the last minute and placed in the machine. If a machine runs out at 2:00 P.M., it can be filled again before the next day.

The machines will be the latest in design and efficiency. Take the office machines for example. You put your coin into the machine, select the way you want your coffee, and receive a cup of fresh, perked coffee. The machines operate on 1/3 lb. cans of Maxwell House coffee — exactly the same grind you buy for home use. Approximately 20 cups are perked and then transferred to a holding chamber. After a preset length of time, a new batch is perked and any coffee remaining in the hold chamber is dumped. The coffee you buy is always fresh. No more instant coffee.

The food machines will also hold a wider variety of food. Soup will be sold with the can, bowl, spoon, crackers and napkin as a package — you’ll never run into the situation where, having purchased a can of soup, no spoon or dishes are available.

Some of the areas in the plant will be expanded or have more versatile machines such as canned soda or a flavor ice vending machine — the vending area in Reclaim Bldg. #1 will have a sandwich machine, for example, and a coffee machine will be put into the Chemical Machine Shop, where up to now only a cigarette machine has been in operation.

In short, new and better machines, with better service and more and better food, to give us the best food service arrangement possible.

ALANAP AND DYANAP (con’t.)

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

sive advertising and promotion program for our distributors and dealers. Grower meetings will be conducted by our sales force, demonstrating the advantages of Alanap and Dyanap over competitive products.

Quality products play an extremely important role in the agricultural business. A poor quality product damages a grower’s crop, the reputation of the product and the Company. Important also in the farm market is good packaging. It either helps or reduces our sales. Dented or stained cans, torn and dirty bags convey the impression of poor quality and workmanship in the customer’s mind. Good quality and good packaging can help make 1969 a big year in Alanap and Dyanap sales.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

Clark Retires From Mechanical

Ed Clark, left, is congratulated by Bill Lannon, Foreman of the Instrument Department. Clark, an instrument man in the Mechanical Department, retired recently after more than 22 years with the Company.

Local 308’s Contract Rejection Won’t Affect Uniroyal Production

by
Local 308's Contract Rejection Won't Affect Uniroyal Production

The Evening Sentinel, Tuesday, August 1, 1967

BEACON FALLS

Local 308’s Contract Rejection Won’t Affect Uniroyal Production

Local 308, United Rubber Workers Synthetic division, rejected the master contract Friday night which was recently agreed upon by the union and Uniroyal, Inc., in Cincinnati.

Less than one-fourth of the 240 members of the local turned out for the vote. The tally was 32 to 26 against ratification.

Of the three Naugatuck locals, this was the only one to reject the contract. Local 45 ratified it Saturday, followed by Local 218 Sunday.

It was understood that Local 308’s action would not affect production at Uniroyal, where union employes returned to their jobs this week after the 14-week strike.

Reason for rejecting it according to President Edward Alves, was that it did not offer time-and-a-half for Saturdays and a night shift bonus.

Alves said that under the present system workers get time-and-a-half after 40 hours. The membership was satisfied will all other aspects of the contract, he said.

Requires Majority

Union sources say that in order for the new contract to become effective it must be ratified by the majority of the Uniroyal URW membership and the majority of the company’s 19 locals.

If the majority of the Uniroyal locals ratify the master contract, Alves said, it will go into effect when the secondary contract is signed.

Although the vote cast by the local will not hold up talks on supplemental contract, Alves said that a date has not been set for the talks. A membership meeting will have to be held first. This has been tentatively set for Aug. 15.

Arrest 4 At Synthetic Plant

by
Arrest 4 At Synthetic Plant

5-31-67 UniRoyal Strike

Arrest 4 At Synthetic Plant

By RUTH NICHOLS

Four members of Local 308, URW, were booked on breach of peace charges this morning as a result on the part of the Local to try to keep management personnel from entering the Naugatuck Synthetic Plant of UniRoyal.

Approximately 150 pickets were massed at the gate of the Synthetic plant at 7:30 this morning. Local 308 officials had been notified by management that they intended to start production in the plant today. The Local has a membership of approximately 200.

President Edward Alves of Local 308 stayed in town today to be with the Local and attempt to talk with management. He said that he talked with Benton Leach, production superintendent of the plant, but was unable to talk with John Evans, plant manager.

Alves stated that the Local took action out of concern when it learned unskilled operators would operate the production. He said “This would be a disaster if the right people were not operating the production lines. The chance of explosion is great and could affect the entire Naugatuck Valley.”

Alves also revealed that the Local had checked with the insurance company to see if UniRoyal had notified them that they were going to produce at the plant. Periodical inspections are made by the insurance company while the plant is in operation. The insurance company said they had not been contacted by the company as of that time, Alves said.

Alves said that one of the gases used at the plant is explosive when contacted by air. This was his main concern, safety-wise.

A team of 12 police officers, under the supervision of Capt. Joseph Summa, was dispatched to the Synthetic when Police Chief Frank Mariano was notified that management was being barred from the plant.

Capt. Summa read the riot act, according to the state statute, to the group of pickets assembled. The pickets continued to march in a circle around in front of the gate, in an orderly fashion.

A wedge of policemen were sent into the picket line to open it up as the cars driven by the supervisory personnel lined up to enter the grounds.

The majority of pickets immediately moved aside; however, two pickets were forced out of the way by policemen and two others booked when they objected to the line breaking up. As soon as the line was opened the line of assembled cars drove through the gate without being hampered by the pickets.

The rest of the pickets started to march to police headquarters, thought better of it and about 30 men arrived at the station by cars.

Police started booking men

Please Turn to Page 14

CAPT. JOSEPH SUMMA is shown reading the state statute containing the “riot act” to picketers at the Synthetic plant as members of Local 308 bar the entrance gate to supervisory personnel, yesterday morning. Local 308 president Edward Alves, back to camera listens intently.

by
CAPT. JOSEPH SUMMA is shown reading the state statute containing the "riot act" to picketers at the Synthetic plant as members of Local 308 bar the entrance gate to supervisory personnel, yesterday morning. Local 308 president Edward Alves, back to camera listens intently.

6-1-67

CAPT. JOSEPH SUMMA is shown reading the state statute containing the “riot act” to picketers at the Synthetic plant as members of Local 308 bar the entrance gate to supervisory personnel, yesterday morning. Local 308 president Edward Alves, back to camera listens intently. -(News photo by Nichols)

Uniroyal Bargaining Units Fail To Meet

by
Uniroyal Bargaining Units Fail To Meet

6-1-67

Uniroyal Bargaining Units Fail To Meet

NAUGATUCK — A meeting between representatives of the United Rubber Workers and Uniroyal management did not take place as scheduled Wednesday.

A union spokesman, contacted Wednesday night, said he did not know why it was canceled. Asked who called the meeting off, he answered that he did not know that, either.

However, he added, a meeting has been scheduled for today.

The two groups have been meeting in Cincinnati, where Wednesday’s meeting was to take place.

Addressing 2,000 union members Monday, Local 45 Pres. George Froehlich said that there would be a meeting Wednesday, and left for Cincinnati early Wednesday morning.

On the local scene, mass picketing by members of Local 308, Synthetic Plant, Wednesday morning, led to the arrest of four pickets following an attempt to prevent management personnel from entering the plant.

According to Edward Alves, president of the local, management had informed the union that production would begin at the plant Wednesday. The report led to the mass picketing.

Uniroyal, Union Resume Contract Talks Today

by

Deadline Near

4-20-67 [handwritten]

Uniroyal, Union Resume Contract Talks Today

NAUGATUCK — Although only hours remain before a two-year-old master contract expires between Uniroyal, Inc., and the United Rubber Workers (AFL-CIO), both union and management spokesmen seem to maintain an air of extreme calm.

At press time Wednesday night talks between the two groups were continuing without the slightest hint of difficulty from spokesmen of both sides, although the present contract is due to expire at midnight tonight.

Representatives from the two sides were reluctant to answer any questions, as both had agreed not to release any information unless there was a joint effort to do so.

It was rumored from unofficial sources, however, that strike placards were ready in the event of a breakdown in the negotiations.

At the same time, as further evidence of calm, at least on the surface, it was claimed that both labor and management at the three local plants had discussed what would have to be done should a shutdown occur.

John D. Evans, factory manager at the company’s chemical complex, said that no special preparations were being made, and said that if a strike were called, the local operation could shut down in a very short time.

He said that no start had been made to quiet any operations at the Naugatuck factories.

Contacted in Cincinnati, Ohio, where negotiations between the two groups are being held, George Froelich, president of Local 45, cited the agreement between the company and the rubber workers not to divulge any information.

Edward Alves, president of Local, 308, cited the same agreement, stating only that the negotiations were still in progress. He declined to say whether the two groups were close to agreement.

Talks had apprently recessed for the evening at press time, as one spokesman said they “will resume at 9 a.m.” today.

A strike decision, said one union spokesman, would not be made until midnight, at which time a joint statement would be released. Although neither side would indicate Wednesday how

close they were to agreement, an extension of the present contract could be in order if the two groups are close to agreement at tonight’s deadline.

If a strike is called, however, some 5,000 employes in the corporation’s three local plants would be affected.

Negotiations for a master contract between the rubber industry’s four largest employers and the United Rubber Workers began a month ago. In total, over 71,000 workers, including 22,000 from Uniroyal plants across the country, will be covered by the contracts.

Once the master contract is settled, negotiations for secondary contracts, affecting only local operations, will begin.

Uniroyal, Union Still Negotiating As Midnight Strike Deadline Nears

by

4-20-67

Uniroyal, Union Still Negotiating As Midnight Strike Deadline Nears

NAUGATUCK—Both management and union spokesmen are maintaining an air of calmness although only hours remain before the two-year-old master contract expires between Uniroyal, Inc. and the United Rubber Workers (AFL-CIO) at midnight tonight.

Talks betwen the two groups are continuing today without the slightest hint of difficulty, it was reported by spokesmen from both sides.

Current contract talks do not involve wages, with increases negotiated a year ago. Talks at present relate to fringe benefits and working conditions.

Representatives from the two sides were reluctant to answer any questions, as both had agreed not to release any information unless there was a joint effort to do so.

It was rumored from unofficial sources, however, that strike placards were ready in the event of a breakdown in the negotiations.

At the same time, as further evidence of calm, at least on the surface, it was claimed that both labor and management at the three local plants had discussed what would have to be done should a shutdown occur.

John D. Evans, factory manager at the company’s chemical complex, said that no special preparations were being made, and said that if a strike were called, the local operation could shut down in a very short time.

He said that no start had been made to quiet any operations at the Naugatuck factories.

Contacted in Cincinnati, Ohio, where negotiations between the two groups are being held, George Froelich, president of Local 45, cited the agreement between the company and the rubber workers not to divulge any information.

Edward Alves, president of Local, 308, cited the same agreement, stating only that the negotiations were still in progress. He declined to say whether the two groups were close to agreement.

A strike decision, said one union spokesman, would not be made until midnight, at which time a joint statement would be released. Although neither side would indicate Wednesday how close they were to agreement, an extension of the present contract could be in order if the two groups are close to agreement at tonight’s deadline.

If a strike is called, however, some 5,000 employes in the corporation’s three local plants would be affected.

Negotiations for a master contract between the rubber industry’s four largest employers and the United Rubber Workers began a month ago. In total, over 71,000 workers, including 22,000 from Uniroyal plants across the country, will be covered by the contracts.

Once the master contract is settled, negotiations for secondary contracts, affecting only local operations, will begin.

Uniroyal Talks Due Wednesday

by

Uniroyal Talks Due Wednesday

4-24-67 [handwritten date at top]

NAUGATUCK — Negotiations between the striking United Rubber Workers and Uniroyal, Inc. will resume Wednesday morning in Cincinnati, local union spokesmen reported Sunday night.

Pickets at the three Locals, 45, 218 and 308, are scheduled to resume their strike posts today at 6 a.m. and continue throughout the day in two-hour shifts.

Joseph Rzeszutek, president of URW Local 218, chemical workers, has called meetings of his group today at 2 and 7 p.m. in Union Hall, Curtis St., to report to the local on the contract negotiations he attended last week in Cincinnati.

George Froelich, president of Local 45, will report on negotiations to the local executive committee this morning at 9:30. President of Local 308, Edward Alves, reported he met with his executive committee Saturday evening for a briefing on contract talks.

The three local presidents, along with three additional policy-making members of Local 45, will attend the national URW policy-making session in Cincinnati Tuesday evening in preparation for Wednesday morning’s resumption of negotiations.

Due to its large, over 4,000 membership, Local 45 is allowed three policy-committee members, making it the largest represented group attending the session. The three committee members, John Butler, James Nardello and Lionel Turner, along with Froelich give Local 45 a four-man team, out of a total of 31 national policy committee members.

Contract talks between URW and the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. will resume this morning in Arkon, Ohio, but no negotiations for any of the three strike-bound firms are set before Wednesday.

The strike, which has idled some 50,000 members of the URW, was called at midnight Thursday against the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., and the B.F. Goodrich Co., both of Akron, and Uniroyal, Inc.

The three firms produce half the nation’s rubber products.

The strike spread to one Goodyear plant in North Chicago, Ill., Friday when 500 workers walked off the job, but work continued at other Goodyear plants under the old contract which was extended on a day-to-day basis.

The other member of the industry’s ‘Big Five,’ the General Tire and Rubber Co., is negotiating toward a May 15 contract deadline. In Akron, 1,800 general employes have been idled by a two-week-old wildcat walkout.

Talks will resume Wednesday morning with Firestone in Cleveland, and B. F. Goodrich in Columbus.

Higher wages and a guaranteed minimum wage were the major issues in the negotiations. The union sought payments for laid-off workers amounting to 93 per cent of their regular eranings.

UniRoyal Strike Quiet Here; Negotiations Tomorrow In Ohio

by

4-7-67

UniRoyal Strike Quiet Here; Negotiations Tomorrow In Ohio

Picketing at the Chemical Division of UniRoyal has been “stepped-up,” according to an announcement made by officials of Local 218.

They report that pickets will be on duty “24-hours a day, seven-days a week.” Also that members will picket in three-hour shifts.

Local 218 began a buildup of picketing Friday when members decided to picket throughout the night and all day Saturday.

Picketing at the other Uni-Royal plants in the borough continued on a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. basis with members participating in two-hour shifts.

The presidents of the three borough Locals George Froehlich, Local 45; Joseph Rzeszutek, Local 218; and Edward Alves, Local 308; were scheduled to return to Cincinnati today in preparation for resumption of negotiations tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.

No incidents have been reported due to the strike in the borough. Picketing is being conducted in an orderly fashion and the company has honored the picket lines.

The presidents of the Locals returned to the borough over the weekend to inform officials of the unions what transpired at the negotiating sessions. However, no information has been released for publication.

AKRON, Ohio (UPI) — Negotiations with three strikebound rubber firms were scheduled to resume Wednesday while talks continued today between the United Rubber Workers Union (URW), and two other members of the industry’s “big five.”

The Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., B. F. Goodrich and Uni-Royal, Inc., have been closed by a nationwide walkout of 50,000 workers since contract negotiations ended Thursday with no agreement.

Negotiations continued today with the General Tire & Rubber Co. in Cleveland and with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Cincinnati. The contract with General does not expire until May 15. The Goodyear pact expired Thursday, but both sides agreed to continue working on a day-to-day basis.

A wildcat strike in the mill room at the General Tire plant in Akron ended when the URW agreed to send its men back to work tonight. The strike began three weeks ago when 64 workers walked off the job in a dispute over rest periods, forcing shut down of the plant.

Another wildcat strike against the Seiberling Tire & Rubber Co. in Barberton, Ohio, continued to keep 1,000 workers idle. The strike began last Wednesday over a dispute on work rules.

The chief stumbling block to a settlement with the big three struck firms appeared to be union demands for higher pay and a guaranteed minimum wage.

Spokesmen for the auto industry say the strike was not expected to affect new car production for several weeks. Inventories were reported to be sufficient to meet the needs of defense and aerospace production for some time.

UniRoyal Strike Negotiations Continuing

by

UniRoyal Strike Negotiations Continuing

5-1-67

Negotiating talks continued Sunday between the United Rubber Workers and UniRoyal as the strike has entered its second week. However, there is no indication from either side as to the progress.

The negotiating talks now concern the master contract. Once agreement is reached, the talks will be conducted on local levels.

All three of the borough Locals have been taking strike benefit applications from its membership. The striking employes received their last pays this weekend and are now facing payless days until the strike is settled and they complete a week’s work.

Presidents of the borough’s three Locals, George Froehlich, Local 45; Joseph Rzeszutek, Local 218; and Edward Alves, Local 308, are in Cincinnati participating in the talks.

Picketing continues in the borough at all gates of the plants in an orderly fashion. Picket lines of six persons are maintained at the gates with one police officer on hand. No attempt has been made by UniRoyal to cross the lines. Union officials are allowing white collar employes to continue working.

Synthetic Local Rejects UniRoyal Master Contract

by
Synthetic Local Rejects UniRoyal Master Contract

Synthetic Local Rejects UniRoyal Master Contract

Twenty-five per cent of the membership of Local 308, Synthetic Division, turned out last night to reject 32 to 26, the master contract recently agreed upon by the United Rubber Workers and UniRoyal, Inc.

Of the three Naugatuck locals, 308 was the only one to fail to ratify the contract. Local 45 approved it Saturday night, followed by Local 218 on Sunday.

Local President Edward Alves said that the reason for the rejection was that the contract did not offer time-and-a-half for Saturdays and a night shift bonus. He explained that presently, workers get time-and-a-half after 40 hours. He said that the membership was satisfied with all other aspects of the contract.

Union sources said that in order for the new contract to become effective it must be ratified by a majority of the UniRoyal URW membership and the majority of the company’s 19 locals.

The significance of Local 308’s failure to ratify the contract, continued Alves, is contingent only on the votes cast by the other locals. Synthetic Plant workers will continue to report to work.

According to the local president, the master contract will go into effect when the secondary contract is signed if the majority of UniRoyal locals vote for ratification.

Although the vote cast by the local will not hold up talks on the supplemental contract, Alves said that a date has not been set for the talks. A membership meeting, tentatively set for August 15, must be held first.

PRESIDENT OF LOCAL 308 Edward Alves, is shown, center of picture, as he leaves,the pickets, this morning. Alves had instructed the pickets to remain calm and under no circumstances to become violent. Management was waiting in cars to enter the gate and the police force was approaching the gate to open the line.

by
PRESIDENT OF LOCAL 308 Edward Alves, is shown, center of picture, as he leaves,the pickets, this morning. Alves had instructed the pickets to remain calm and under no circumstances to become violent. Management was waiting in cars to enter the gate and the police force was approaching the gate to open the line.

PRESIDENT OF LOCAL 308 Edward Alves, is shown, center of picture, as he leaves, the pickets, this morning. Alves had instructed the pickets to remain calm and under no circumstances to become violent. Management was waiting in cars to enter the gate and the police force was approaching the gate to open the line. –(News photo by Nichols)

Rubber Negotiations Off Until Wednesday

by

Rubber Negotiations Off Until Wednesday

4-24-67 [handwritten date in top right corner]

Picketing has been resumed today at all UniRoyal plants in the borough following a weekend respite.

A token team of pickets is being maintained at all gates and no incidents have been reported.

Executives of the three borough Locals are being briefed at meetings today on the contract negotiating sessions held last week in Cincinnati.

The three local presidents, George Froehlich, Local 45; Joseph Rzeszutek, Local 218; and Edward Alves, Local 308, along with three additional policymaking session to be held in Cincinnati tomorrow evening.

The next negotiation session is called for Wednesday morning. Both management and labor representatives have said privately they see little chance of an early settlement.

Union demands for higher wages and a guaranteed minimum wage have been the most difficult issues to resolve. The Union seeks payments to laid off workers totaling 93 per cent of their regular wage.