Joseph Summa

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.”

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.

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.

Added Police

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Added Police

When tension increased early this morning, additional reinforcements were called out by Naugatuck police. Supernumeraries were called in, and shifts were extended. At least 22 policemen were on duty in the Uniroyal area this morning.

However, when it became evident that the picket lines could not be broken, the size of the police detail was decreased by Capt. Joseph Summa.

The directive to the office workers, members of Local 45 and 308, came from company Traffic Manager William Ware. Ware said later that he was only passing on information he received from management. He said he had no indication of

Uniroyal Strikers Get Benefit Checks

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BEACON FALLS

5-9-67

Uniroyal Strikers Get Benefit Checks

Union officials and volunteer workers were busy in Naugatuck today distributing benefit checks to members of three union locals on strike against Uniroyal.

Lines were orderly at the headquarters of Locals 45, 218 and 308, United Rubber Workers of America. The workers have been on strike since April 21 against Uniroyal plants in Naugatuck and Beacon Falls.

Eight trucks yesterday afternoon passed without incident through picket lines at the Elm Street gate of Uniroyal’s Naugatuck plant. Four were United States mail trucks.

Drivers of 11 other trucks turned back, refusing to cross the picket line.

Pickets made way for drivers who insisted on entering the plant. There were catcalls from the pickets, but no violence.

Naugatuck police patrols, under Capt. Joseph Summa, were at the scene.

In Beacon Falls, a detail of State Police under Sgt. James Ferguson of the Bethany Barracks stood by as trucks entered and left. There was no disturbance and no jeering from the pickets.

Pickets at Naugatuck and Beacon Falls had been ordered by Raymond Mangacci, a union vice president, to avoid violence.

Five railroad freight cars that entered the central warehouse in Naugatuck Friday were still inside the plant today.

Thomas J. Nelligan, a Uniroyal spokesman, said the cars would be moved out when loaded.

The company plans to continue shipments by truck and rail, Nelligan said.

The calm that has prevailed this week contrasts with the near – roits of last Thursday and Friday, when 64 strikers were arrested.

8 Trucks Pass Through Uniroyal Amid Jeers

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6—Waterbury Republican, Tuesday, May 9, 1967

8 Trucks Pass Through Uniroyal Amid Jeers

NAUGATUCK—A barrage of 19 trucks approached the Uniroyal warehouse gate on Elm St. during a three-and-one-half hour period Monday afternoon. Although 11 drivers turned away without entering, four trucks from private firms and four U. S. mail trucks passed through the lines of striking United Rubber Workers without incident, although catcalls could be heard.

Picket teams of approximately 13 people stood in front of the gate to halt the passage of the trucks, but quietly made way for those wishing to go in or out.

The relative quiet which pervaded the scene Monday afternoon may well affect the outcome of an injunction hearing scheduled for today in Waterbury.

Four freight cars, shoved into the warehouse Friday afternoon without stopping, are still in the warehouse, and according to sources are due to be shipped out, loaded, today.

During the period in which the trucks approached the gate Monday afternoon from about 1:30 to 5 p.m., negotiations were reportedly continuing in Cincinnati, although the negotiators could not be reached for comment Monday night.

The first truck to approach the gates, and the first to enter, was from Darcey, a Waterbury trucking firm. The second truck to enter was from a New Haven firm, the Wilson Freight Co. The Elliott Bros. Trucking Co. firm Waterbury and the Lombard Bros., who rented a truck from a local dealer, also entered the gates.

Most of those who turned away from large firms engaged in interstate commerce. When a truck from one of these outfits left, one of the pickets chortled, “There goes a good Teamster.”

Fur police patrols were at the gate at the time, under the leadership of Capt. Joseph Summa.

The scene Monday afternoon at the gate was in marked contrast to the clashes with police which marked the early morning hours of three days last week when pickets attempted to prevent white collar personnel from entering the Footwear plants on Maple St.

Following those three days of clashes, during which 71 pickets were arrested on charges of breach of peace, a hearing for the purpose of preventing mass picketing was held in Waterbury.

At that time, Judge Leo V. Gaffney issued a warning to pickets to stop mass picketing. Since that time picket teams have been small in number and management personnel has been allowed to enter the plants without incident.

Strike

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Strike-

Continued from Page 1

Police Chief Frank J. Mariano
and Capt. Joseph Summa, in
charge of the strike detail.

They agreed that there should
be no further violence.

The Rubber Workers have
been on strike since April 21 as
part of a nationwide walkout.
More than 5,000 persons are af-
fected locally, and about 50,-
000 nationally.

LOCAL 45 Vice President Raymond Mengacci, with bullhorn, passes along company proposal to union pickets that male non-union employes be allowed into Uniroyal’s Naugatuck Footwear plant this morning. It was rejected. Police Capt. Joseph Summa is at left, and International Union Rep. William Fernandez, Jr., is in center, with hat and glasses, just behind Mengacci.

by

LOCAL 45 Vice President Raymond Mengacci, with bullhorn, passes along company proposal to union pickets that male non-union employes be allowed into Uniroyal’s Naugatuck Footwear plant this morning. It was rejected. Police Capt. Joseph Summa is at left, and International Union Rep. William Fernandez, Jr., is in center, with hat and glasses, just behind Mengacci.—Coviello Photo.

[Handwritten notation in margin:] 5-15-67

NAUGATUCK – Another 21 Picketing United Rubber Workers Union members were arrested this morning in the third day of clashes between police and strikers at the Maple St. gate of the Uniroyal footwear plant.

by

NAUGATUCK — Another 21
picketing United Rubber Work-
ers Union members were arrest-
ed this morning in the third day
of clashes between police and
strikers at the Maple St. gate of
the Uniroyal footwear plant.

Police first charged four of
the pickets with assault, but la-
ter dropped this to breach of
peace, the charge levied against
the other 17.

Union officials charged the in-
cident, at about 7 a. m. was del-
iberately provoked by the com-
pany, which had been taking
pictures at the scene to bolster
efforts to get a court injunction
against mass picketing.

The union leader, Raymond
Mengacci, vice president of Lo-
cal 45, said he has to appear in
court in Waterbury today at 2 p.
m. An injunction will be sought
by the Uniroyal firm at that
time.

Today’s flare-up came as 50
office and supervisory employes
showed up for the 7 a. m. shift.
Pickets ignored police warnings
to disperse and resisted efforts
of the officers to wedge into the
plant.

Riot Act Read

Capt. Joseph Summa, head of
the police detail, read the state
statutes’ riot act for the second
day. The pickets, however,
formed a tight line, refusing ad-
mittance to management per-
sonnel.

There was about 15 minutes of
pushing and shoving before po-
lice began making arrests. Most
went along with police willingly,
but three had to be carried and
one was dragged.

Police Brutality

“Police brutality” came from
a chorus of voices, predominant-
ly female.

As relative peace returned,
the supervisory and office em-
ployes went into the plant.
Among those arrested was Wil-
liam Battles, 37, 486 North Main
St., Waterbury, who lost his
shoe and some change in the in-
cident and was later taken to
Waterbury Hospital, complain-
ing of stomach pains. He told
authorities that he was struck in
the stomach.

50 Arrested In Uniroyal Strike

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50 Arrested In Uniroyal Strike

5-4-67 [handwritten]

By PATRICK KEATING
and
JAMES FLEMING
Register Staff Reporters

NAUGATUCK—Some 50 pickets were arrested this morning and charged with breach of peace following a near-riot with police at the Maple Street gate of the struck Footwear Division of Uniroyal.

The outbreak came after several hundred pickets barred the entrance to the plant to prevent management personnel from entering.

Several pickets required medical attention as a result of the scuffling and one, Nunzi Finatera, 45, was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury, suffering from an apparent heart attack.

Capt. Joseph Summa, heading a detail of 25 patrolmen including regulars and supernumerary patrolmen — about half of the town’s entire department—issued a warning through a bullhorn to the pickets shortly before 8 a.m. telling them they were “guilty of unlawful assembly.”

Summa ordered them to remain silent and read the official riot act to the workers three times.

The policemen’s order was met with catcalls and as office employes attempted to cross the picket line, pushing and shoving broke out between police and pickets. Twenty arrests followed and when the fighting continued, wholesale arrests were made. It took police an hour to disperse the crowd.

All were brought to police headquarters across the street and released without posting cash bonds for appearance in circuit court in Waterbury June 8.

Among those booked was Raymond Mengacci, executive vice president of Local 45, of the United Rubber Workers which authorized the picketing. Mengacci charged, “Footwear management used poor judgment in the matter.”

He said an injunction should have been served on him to have the union desist from stopping office and supervisory personnel from entering the plant.

Mengacci indicated he would have obeyed an injunction and as a result the outbreak would not have occurred.

Later, at about 9:30 a.m., Mengacci returned to police headquarters with attorney Dan Baker, and they conferred with Chief Frank Mariano, Mayor Joseph Raytkwich and attorney Henry Marlor, chairman of the Town’s Police Commission.

Joseph Pincho, a member of the executive committee of Local 45 and a borough fire commissioner, was also arrested.

See UNIROYAL Page 2

[PHOTO CAPTION]: Arrested strikers are booked at Naugatuck Police Headquarters.
Register Photo by Photo by James Fleming

Reds At Marines

SAIGON (AP) — North Vietnamese regulars who streamed across the demilitarized zone recently locked with U.S. near the Laotian border today. Other Communist troops inflicted heavy casualties in an attack on a U.S. Special Forces camp six miles away.

As the ground war intensified in the northwest corner of South Vietnam, U.S. Air Force pilots trying to wipe out North Vietnam’s air arm hit the Hoa Lac MIG base 20 miles west of Hanoi Wednesday for the fourth

Strong Cor Would Cu

By WILLIAM E. KEISH JR.
Register Staff Reporter

STATE CAPITOL —A strong Corrupt Practices Act, which would curb the use of testimonial dinners and tighten up the method of reporting campaign finances, has been fashioned by Democratic leaders and is expected to gain a favorable report today from the General Assembly’s Elections Committee.

State Sen. J. Edward Caldwell, Bridgeport Democrat, confirmed that a substitute bill for one sponsored by Secretary of

43 Pickets Arrested By Naugatuck Police

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N., THURSDAY EVENING, MAY 4, 1967 THIRTY-TWO PAGES 7c PER COPY 42c WEEKLY CARRI

43 Pickets Arrested By Naugatuck Police

NAUGATUCK— Forty-three union pickets were arrested on charges of breach of peace this morning, when police and strikers at the Footwear Plant of Uniroyal Inc., clashed for the second day.

The entire police force was called in, plus supernumeraries, 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. 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 comotions 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.

The first conflict occurred when non-union personnel, as directed by the company Wednesday, reported for work for the 7 o’clock shift. The picketers, mostly male, refused to allow them to enter, and police formed a line to provide safety for the workers.

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 and discharged. According to hospital authorities, Finateri said he was knocked down in 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.

TELLS PICKETS TO MOVE ON

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5-4-67

TELLS PICKETS TO MOVE ON — Naugatuck policemen under the direction of Capt. Joseph Summa order Uniroyal strikers away from the front of police headquarters on Maple St., Naugatuck. Pickets quickly gathered when Mayor Joseph Raytkwich arrived at City Hall. They loudly protested actions of police in arresting 43 pickets after shoving match as police escorted management employes through gate at 7 this morning. (Story on Page 1).

Naugatuck Police Escort 200 Through Picket Line

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Naugatuck Police Escort 200 Through Picket Line

5-4-67

Other Picture, Page 13

Naugatuck police arrested 43 men this morning after a near-riot in front of the Maple Street gate of the struck Uniroyal plant in Naugatuck.

Police Capt. Joseph Summa said the struggle began about 7 a.m. when 200 supervisory personnel sought to cross a picket line to go to work.

An escort of 20 policemen formed a wedge to conduct them through the picket line.

The disturbance became so threatening that Summa three times read the “riot act.” To pickets in front of the gate he read sections of the statutes pertaining to rioting.

Cy Blanchard, vice president of Local 308, Chemical Workers of America, and Raymond Mengacci, vice president of Local 45, United Rubber Workers of America, were among the 3 arrested.

Three of those arrested were Seymour men:

Henry Hook, 37, of 167 West Church St.; Donald Miles, 33, of 84 Grand St., and John Sharkey, 37, of 17 Martha St.

All 43 were charged with breach of the peace and released on their own recognizance. They are to appear June 8 in Waterbury Circuit Court.

No serious injuries were reported, but one picket was taken to St. Mary’s hospital in Waterbury in a police ambulance.

He was suffering from a possible heart attack. He is Nunzio Finateri, 51, of Naugatuck.

After treatment at the hospital, Finateri was released.

Pickets also marched in front of City Hall. They taunted police with such charges as “wait until you want a raise,” how about protecting us,” “we pay taxes too,” “strike breaker,” and “you favor management.”

When Mayor Joseph Raytkwich arrived at City Hall, the strikers swarmed around his car. Police had to move in to protect him. The pickets were protesting the action of the police in arresting the pickets.

About 30 pickets were on duty in Beacon Falls. Although no police were in the vicinity of the Uniroyal plant, state troopers were out in force in the area of Route 8, available to move in if trouble developed.

Maple Street from Water to Church Streets has been closed by police to through traffic.

In Beacon Falls today there was no violence.

Local Uniroyal plants in Naugatuck and Beacon Falls have been strikebound since April 21, as have plants in Waterville, Waterbury, Bristol and elsewhere. Locally, some 5,000 workers are affected; the national total is about 50,000.

The union is seeking a wage increase, plus increased unemployment benefits and other fringe benefits.

The union stepped up its picketing yesterday at the local plants and elsewhere after the company announced that it would seek to resume the shipments of manufactured products today.

The company had not started shipping by noon today.

Naugatuck police said additional patrolmen brought in today to insure order among the 200 to 300 pickets swelled the number of police to 25.

Early today the pickets were warned to resume their orderly march, police said. But when some of them began pushing supervisory employes moving through the picket lines, the police moved in and arrested them.

In Washington, the administration has not yet become heavily involved in the two-week strike against Uniroyal (formerly U. S. Rubber), Firestone and B. F Goodrich. The Shelton and Derby B. F. Goodrich plants are not affected.

Rubber stockpiles are plentiful and no shortage is iminent.

43 Arrested in Strike

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43 Arrested in Strike

Clash at Uniroyal

5-1-67 [handwritten notation in top left corner]

[Left photo caption:]
Naugatuck Police Capt. Joseph Summa moves in to remove Uniroyal striker confronting Mayor Joseph Raytkwich arriving at City Hall.

[Right photo caption:]
Uniroyal strikers are booked at Naugatuck police headquarters on charges of breach of the peace. Pickets and police clashed as management employes attempted to enter Maple Street gate at 7 a.m. today. One picket suffered a suspected heart attack.

(Sentinel Photo by Cotter)

Minor Scuffling At Struck UniRoyal Plants

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Minor Scuffling At Struck UniRoyal Plants

5-3-67 [handwritten date in top right]

By RUTH NICHOLS

Scuffling and shoving erupted this morning on the picket lines at the struck UniRoyal Footwear Plants in the borough as a result of the announcement by management of its intention to start shipping to critical customers.

The surge of activity began last night at approximately 8 p.m. when UniRoyal began to move personnel with suitcases through the gates.

John Smith, Factory Manager of the Footwear plant, verified the fact that management had notified the union yesterday of the company’s intent to ship to critical customers. Smith said that everything was quiet at the plant late this morning. He had no comment to make as to what number of persons were within the plant.

An all-men picket force was thrown around the gates of the plants last night, continuing through this morning. Scuffling and some incidents ensued early this morning as white collar workers attempted to cross the lines.

However, police report no arrests made. In most instances, police were not successful in escorting personnel through the line.

The heaviest picket lines were in front of the Central Office on Maple St., and the Warehouse located on Rubber Ave. Most of the activity centered around the main warehouse building on Rubber Ave.

Police reported that one group of four was successfully taken through the line. Pickets allowed a nurse and an attorney to enter the warehouse without incident this morning, according to reports.

A special police force of 24 men was put on duty today. The officers said that raincoats were torn and clothing damaged as a result of the early morning activity. Capt. Joseph Summa, in charge of the special force, was kept busy this morning checking the action at the gates to insure the situation did not get out of hand.

Raymond Mengacci, vice-president of Local 45, said late this morning that picketing was “orderly” and that a picket line had been set up at all gates. He added that today the union was not allowing any white collar workers through the lines.

Mengacci stated that the union was told yesterday of the company’s intention to start shipping materials out of the plants.

President of Local 45, George Froehlich, was called in Cincinnati today and informed of the situation in Naugatuck. Froehlich informed Mengacci that one of the companies, not UniRoyal, was “close” to settlement.

An executive vice-president of the company had been brought into the negotiation sessions. This is the first good sign since the strike was called at midnight Thursday, April 20.

Rumors are circulating the borough that UniRoyal is attempting to seek an injunction against the “lock-out.” Mengacci told the NEWS today that as yet no papers have been served on the Union. No confirmation could be obtained from the company as to the veracity of this statement.

Office workers reported for work at their usual time this morning but were not allowed to enter the buildings. Shortly after 8 a.m. management announced via a bull-horn that the workers were to go home and try again tomorrow morning.

Police Chief Frank Mariano is watching the activity closely. He said, he has had no additional information but that at present the local department was able to handle the situation.

Mayor Joseph C. Raytkwich is keeping a close eye on the strike and conferring with officials in an attempt to keep on top of the situation.

Uniroyal to Resume Shipment Of Manufactured Products

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Uniroyal to Resume Shipment Of Manufactured Products

5-3-67 [handwritten]

By RAY FITZPATRICK

The strikebound Uniroyal plants in Naugatuck and Beacon Falls will resume shipment of manufactured products tomorrow morning, a company spokesman said today.

The company notified officials of the striking United Rubber Workers of America yesterday afternoon of its intention.

The union immediately increased its picketing at all plant and warehouse entrances according to Raymond Mengacci, union vice president. Picketing will be on a 24 – hour basis, union officials said. Previously, it had been from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The company said it would resume shipments at other area plants, including those in Waterville, Waterbury and Bristol. The union stepped up its picketing at these, too.

About 5,000 production workers in area Uniroyal plants have been affected by the strike, which was called on April 21.

The union is demanding increased unemployment benefits and a wage increase, plus improved fringe benefits.

Nationally, some 50,000 workers are on strike against Uniroyal.

Naugatuck Police Chief Frank Mariano last night called in all available police officers, who reported to Capt. Joseph Summa, in charge of the strike detail.

Mariano acted on the request of Mayor Joseph Raytkwich.

Thomas J. Nelligan of the rubber company’s industrial relations department said today that union officials had been notified yesterday that shipments would begin at 8 a.m. tomorrow. He said workers would be admitted to the plants.

It is believed that only the shipping of finished products would be involved. This would be attempted by supervisory personnel.

Under a company – union agreement, a 24 – hour notice was given by management of attempted shipments.

UniRoyal Struck

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UniRoyal Struck

Continued from page 1

plants represented by the United Rubber Workers of America went on strike shortly after midnight when the company and the union failed to reach agreement on a new contract covering wages and employee benefits.

“No time has been set for resumption of the negotiations.

“The company stated it had offered to continue the contract on a day-to-day basis with the plants in operation, which it felt would be in the best interest of its employees and customers. The union declined this offer.

“The Company announced it had offered a substantial increase in wages and various improvements in employee benefits.

“The strike does not affect employees at other plants of the company not represented by the URW.”

This morning, downtown Naugatuck has assumed a holiday cloak. A small number of pickets are stationed at each gate with no incidents reported.

UniRoyal workers not knowing what to do with their leisure time and anxious for news of the strike are driving around the downtown areas or simply standing near the gates watching the pickets.

Police Chief Frank Mariano reported this morning that Captain Joseph Summa is in charge of the men on special strike assignments. Summa reported he has posted one policeman at each gate of the striking plants with a total of 10 men pressed into extra duty.

Summa also has a motor patrol checking on strike activity. The policemen are equipped with radios to keep headquarters posted on conditions, although no trouble is anticipated.

Local 45 union headquarters said this morning it has pickets at every gate. About six pickets are assigned to each gate. Picketers are allowing white collar workers to cross the lines as well as doctors and nurses and anyone in need of emergency treatment.

The Local also reported everything was orderly this

morning, no production workers attempted to cross the lines and the company made no attempt to bring trucks in or out of the plants.

Both the union and company are eager to keep the strike quiet and each is being cautious so not to step on the others’ toes.

Reliable sources report that the tire division of UniRoyal is most dissatisfied with the conditions of the contract being offered by the company.

Goodyear has received an agreement from the union to continue working on a day-to-day basis. Negotiations were to begin at 10 this morning.

The fifth of the big five rubber firms, General Tire, began negotiations Tuesday under a May 15 deadline. Contracts signed with the big firms are generally used as a basis for negotiations with smaller firms.

[Left column]

“A strike will be bad for Naugatuck. People won’t buy.” A wife and mother whose husband works for UniRoyal, “Of course I don’t want a strike. It’s okay for a week, but no longer.”

It is obvious that the strike was anticipated by most local residents. One can only hope that it will be settled quickly to every one’s satisfaction.

UniRoyal this morning issued the following statement on the strike:

“Approximately 22,000 employees of UniRoyal, Inc. at 19

Please Turn to Page 12

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.

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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)

Arrest 4 At Synthetic Plant

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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

Pickets and Police Milled Around at the Gate to the Chemical Plant at Uniroyal in Naugatuck

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5-26-67

[IMAGE: Photograph showing pickets and police at a factory gate]

temical
ivision

UNIROYAL
U.S. RUBBER

MAIN
ENTRANCE

SALES INDUSTRIAL
CHEMICALS COATINGS
ORDNANCE TEXTILES

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CENTER

PICKETS AND POLICE milled around at the gate to the Chemical Plant at Uniroyal in Naugatuck this morning after police got word of rumored trouble and sent a large group of officers to the area. Nothing happened, and non-union employes entered the plant. The company, meanwhile, was proceeding with plans to seek an injunction of mass picketing at the Chemical Plant by Local 218, United Rubber Workers, similar to the one at the Footwear Plant regarding Local 45. A meeting was held this morning in Waterbury Superior Court with Judge Leo V. Gaffney. —King Photo

Picketing

(Continued from Page One)

from airplanes and smother the Viet Cong?” he asked.

The union president said he resented the implication that he and his union were unpatriotic rising from the company claim that the production was needed for the war effort.

Rzeszutek said he was a veteran of combat and “had been shot up a few times” himself.

“I certainly don’t want our men to do without anything they need,” he said.

He said he could guarantee that not one thing had been shipped from the Chemical Plant to Vietnam.

Judge Gaffney on May 6 issued an order for a show cause hearing against Local 45 of the United Rubber Workers in connection with picketing at the Footwear Division, also in Naugatuck, but a hearing has never been held.

It has been continued twice and more continuances will be entered as long as the picketing remains peaceful, Judge Gaffney said.

Seeks Same Effect

He said he hopes the issuance of a show cause order against Local 218 will have the same pacifying effect on picketing activities at the Chemical Plant.

The United Rubber Workers has been on strike for five weeks.

Naugatuck Police Chief Frank J. Mariano and Capt. Joseph Summa were in the courtroom for today’s session but were not called on to testify.

A company official was quoted in Thursday’s paper as saying the operation of the plant by management personnel was for the production of some key items necessary to the Vietnam defense effort.

Management lawyer, Atty. J. Kenneth Bradley, Bridgeport, said today in court, however, that the production was “partially” for the defense effort and partially of items “for use in other parts of the country.”

He did not go into detail on the use of the items except to say the items “are not for use by ourselves.”

Judge Gaffney, in asking for an end to the picket line difficulties, said it was easy for him to understand them when it appears to union members that “someone is destroying . . . the right to work and live.”

“I trust we will never have a hearing” on the matter the judge said. He added he hoped he would not be forced to issue an injunction against the union.

Asks For Statement

Lawyer for the union, Atty. Daniel Baker, Stamford, advised Rzeszutek after the hearing to issue a statement on the company’s claims of production for the Vietnam effort.

Judge Gaffney commended the Naugatuck police for their handling of the picket line situation. He said the police were forced to make the arrests and were to be commended for doing their duty.

He said he hoped the order for a show cause hearing would act as a “restraining measure” and help to restore the good will between management and Local 218 that existed before Thursday’s incident.

Before this morning’s hearing, the scene at the strikebound Chemical Plant remained quiet as about 40 pickets circulated in front of the Elm St. gate in 40-degree weather. There were only two minor incidents, in contrast to the eight arrests there Thursday morning.

However, extra police were on duty as a precaution in the face of rumors to the effect that management personnel would not be allowed to enter the plant.

Although management personnel were greeted by name as they entered the plant, one man was challenged by pickets as he approached the line with a large briefcase under his arm.

Upon approaching the gate, he was instantly surrounded by pickets. After a few quick questions were asked, the man answered that the briefcase contained his lunch. The line broke and he was admitted to the plant.

Shortly after this challenge, one of the strikers spotted a car approaching the Elm St. gate. The driver was stopped while Rzeszutek criticized him for his actions Thursday when, according to Rzeszutek, the man drove the car through the line without slowing down.

PAPER MONEY

WASHINGTON — Paper bills cost the U. S. treasury about one cent each to produce.

Only about one woman in 250 is color blind.

Football Star

SEYMOUR—Nick DeFelice, a graduate of Derby High School who is now a lineman for the New York Jets team in the American Football League, will be the guest speaker at the second annual sports banquet of the Seymour Fathers Club Saturday.

Factor of Safety In Production Move Sparks Dispute At Uniroyal

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Factor Of Safety In Production Move Sparks Dispute At Uniroyal

Friday MAY 26, 1967

NAUGATUCK — Efforts by management personnel to produce what were termed defense sub-contract items at the Uniroyal Chemical Plant Thursday touched off a controversy with URW Local 218 over the question of safety.

An announcement by management Wednesday that it planned to produce the items also resulted in an effort by about 30 members of the local to bar management personnel from entering the plant Thursday morning.

After the management personnel entered the plant to begin production, members of the striking local circulated handbills around the borough questioning the decision to produce.

The handbills claimed that the personnel were “unfamiliar with the operating procedures and safety hazards involved” in the machines.

It was further added that “serious accidents have occurred with experienced operators in control of the equipment, and a full compliment of people who were fortunate enough to contain these hazards.”

John D. Evans, manager of the chemical plant, answered the safety charges with a statement that “at present, operations are limited in scope and are being achieved by crews completely familiar with all operating procedures and safety practices.

“In fact,” added Evans, “these (management) personnel are normally responsible for the training and direction of the regular operators.”

Local 218 hinged its complaint on the claim that “the operating of process equipment with inexperienced personnel and only a skeleton crew present a definite hazard to the townspeople . . . It exposes the citizens to the possibility of explosion or deadly gases being released to the atmosphere.”

Evans answered the charge that the safety of the borough was being jeapordized with the statement that “We consider the safety of all personnel in the plant as well as that of the residents—to be the first consideration of management in all decisions regarding operations regardless of circumstance.”

The early morning efforts to block the personnel from entering the plant resulted in the arrest of eight members of the local, although there was no shoving or pushing in the incident and no injuries were reported.

According to Evans, the purpose of the move to produce was to fulfill a sub-contract for a material which protects the plexiglass windshields of planes during shipment. The material, he added, would be used on planes destined for Vietnam.

While management personnel waited to enter the plant at about 7 a.m. Thursday, Police Capt. Joseph Summa read the riot act to the assembled pickets. The arrest of the eight union members followed, and they were taken to the police station in patrol cars.

All arrested were charged with breach of peace and released under the no cash bail program, except for Henry Hook, 167 West Church St., Seymour, who posted a $20 cash bond due to being arrested for the second time within six months. Hook had been arrested on the same charge during the scuffle with police and Local 45 pickets at the Maple St. Footwear Plant.

Others arrested were Rzeszutek, 45, 236 Riggs St., Oxford; Joseph P. Paplauskas, 46, 99 Gorman St.; Marcel H. Herbert, 39, 179 Tudor St., Waterbury; Robert Anderson, 37, 84 Svea Ave.; Dominic A. George, 55, 33 Railroad Ave., Beacon Falls; Tano Sanangelo, 53, 82 Pinehurst Ave., Waterbury and Albert R. Lestage, 37, 85 Vernon St., Waterbury.

Rzeszutek also said that he is considering asking the membership at their next meeting to no longer honor withdrawal cards of personnel who have salaried positions. Rzeszutek said the union considers these people “undesirable for readmittance to the local in the event they are removed from salary.”

In response to Rzeszutek’s statement, Plant Mgr. John Evans said that the union had been given ample notice that there would be some production on key items necessary to the defense effort in Vietnam. However, he declined to comment on the rest of the union local president’s statement.

Eight Pickets Are Arrested In New Uniroyal Disorder

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Eight Pickets Are Arrested In New Uniroyal Disorder

Thurs. Sentinel MAY 25, 1967

Eight Pickets Are Arrested In New Uniroyal Disorder

Eight pickets were arrested today at the struck Uniroyal chemical plant in Naugatuck and charged with breach of the peace as violence flared there for the first time since May 5.

The arrests came after about 40 pickets had attempted to prevent some 500 office and management personnel from entering the plant. There was pushing and shoving, but no injuries.

Eight Naugatuck police officers under Capt. Joseph Summa cleared a way through the picket line for the management personnel, who entered the plant.

The picket line was reinforced this morning after the company had told the striking unions that it planned to resume production at the chemical plant. In recent weeks there had been only a few pickets at the Elm Street gate, where the violence flared just before 8 a.m. today.

Among those arrested were Joseph Rzesutek, 236 Rigg St., Oxford, president of Local 218, United Rubber Workers of America, and Dominic A. George of 33 Railroad Ave., Beacon Falls.

A Seymour man, Henry Hook, 167 West Church St., was freed in $20 bail. The others were released on their own recognizance.

Dear Sir:

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Dear Sir: Wed. MAY 17, 1976

As a pensioner of UniRoyal I was certainly disgusted to read the letter to the Editor on May 11, 1967 where a member of Local 45 wrote you concerning strikers on the picket line, the policemen and management personnel.

I was there and had seen what was going on and at no time was there any rough tactics used by members of Local #45-#218-#308. It was an impossibility for anyone to get hurt when all of the pickets had their hands in their pockets. As I saw it, the group of members of Local #45-#218-#308 formed a solid line, then a certain few, of the militant and aggressive from the police department along with management personnel tried to break through by using strong arm tactics, which caused minor injuries.

Also when Captain Joseph Summa read the laws to the members three times and the crowd did not disburse he motioned to his men that were standing in the street to come and arrest the members and that was done in an orderly basis. Also Captain Summa pointed to other members to follow the police to the police station to be booked. There is no question about who pays the salaries of the police. We all know the taxpayer’s do and we also know that we need a good police force to protect all of us.

I want to say that this problem could have been avoided if management had not violated the verbal agreement that was negotiated by them and the negotiating committee prior to leaving for Cincinnati to negotiate the Master Contract. The verbal agreement was and has been in the past to allow management personnel in the plant for training purposes and for whatever other work that concerned management, but not to work on production of any kind. The only union members to be allowed to work in the plant was for the proper maintenance of the plant. I know these are the rules we followed in the past. I have served under four different Presidents as a Steward, Division Chairman, Policy Committee member, Executive board member, Safety Committee, Negotiating Committee and others.

I want to say that since we organized in 1935 we have come a long way and that it was not handed to us on a gold platter. If the members will look back some years and see what the wages and benefits were, they were very nil. In fact no benefits at all.

The member, referring to the one who wrote the May 11 letter, stresses the point of Vickers closing down. That is not a fact, all they did was to move to where they could get cheaper labor. They did not tell you that they “reaped the harvest” for years. Those members had no seniority rights or no job security like you have. As for the newspaper closing down in New York, from what I read in other newspapers it was from poor management. They have to blame someone, so they blame the Union because of high labor cost. They did not even sit down with the Union and tell them of their problems so that they could solve them.

It seems to me “name withheld” that you are anti-union or you are well taken care of by your boss by getting all the over-time you want. You also say you will never make up the loss, this is not a fact for the simple reason you will get a wage increase, benefits, better working conditions and numerous other gains.

Another point I want to stress is that, the cost of living has already gone up for the past 2 years. You also say it is ridiculous to get 93% of your wages in case of lay off this, in the long run would cost the company about $.02 more per hour. This does not compare with the 14 million dollars the company gave management personnel as a bonus.

You say that you were not told why you are on strike, if you read the last issue of the Rubber Workers newspaper (May Edition) instead of burning it, you would know. Also if you attend the regular monthly meeting you will find that all of these demands are made by the membership and not only the officers. I also want to say that when the policy committee of 19 Local Unions are meeting with management of 19 plants, there are probably 19 hundred problems.

I could go on and on about this but I will close on this subject Mr. or Mrs. Anti-Union saying that I am very proud to have been able to serve as a representative of our great union Local #45 under the Leadership of Mr. George Froehlich, Mr. Raymond Mengacci, Mrs. Rita Ruggerio and all of the officers, policy committee members and also the United Rubber Workers of America. (C.I.O. A.F.L.)

There is also one last remark I want to say is what this policy committee is doing is good for everyone in the area of Naugatuck for the present and future. In 32 years of being an organized union, Mr. or Mrs. Anti-Union, we were never a hooded union or used strong armed tactics and definitely your house would not be burned down.

Mr. Editor please print my name, I am not ashamed I am an honorary member of Local #45 with 36 years of seniority and 39 years of service with UniRoyal Footwear Division.

Pensioner
Mr. Michael San Angelo
77 Chestnut Street

UniRoyal Cites Need For Sample Shoes

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UniRoyal Cites Need For Sample Shoes

By Ruth Nichols

Production at the UniRoyal Footwear plant will be suspended for at least another week to allow time for briefs to be filed and Judge Leo V. Gaffney to come to a decision on whether a restraining injunction should be granted against the firm.

Two days of testimony from both Local 45 and UniRoyal Footwear Division management ended yesterday afternoon in Waterbury Superior Court. Judge Gaffney asked that written briefs be submitted to him by next Wednesday by both attorneys and stated that he will make his decision within a couple of days after reviewing the briefs and transcripts of the court proceedings.

Local 45 ended its testimony yesterday after calling Joseph Foley to the stand. Foley, a 21-year employe of the plant, member of the Union negotiating team and strike captain, was questioned on what might happen if the company was allowed to produce sample shoes.

Foley told the court that there would be violence on the picket line. He also testified that large numbers of supervisory personnel passed through the picket lines daily without incident.

Atty. J. Kenneth Bradley opened UniRoyal’s testimony by calling Thomas Nelligan, Labor Relations Manager, to the stand.

Nelligan told the court that 4,500 footwear plant employes are out on strike while 850 non-bargaining employes are working. All UniRoyal plants in the borough, with the exception of the footwear plant, are producing.

Nelligan cited the need for the sample shoes by August 1st. If the shoes were not ready to show by that date, according to Nelligan, there would be a reduction of production and a need for less employes.

Nelligan, under questioning, stated that if production of samples was allowed there would be no loss to striking employes but their wages. The Judge ruled that this answer should be stricken. Nelligan said he had no way of knowing what the cost to URW members and their families would be overall.

Nelligan said that these sample shoes could not be produced elsewhere. That it would take about 200 people, six weeks to two months to produce the necessary number of sample shoes. He said the bargaining people had been offered, through the union, the work first.

Factory Manager Jack Smith told the court that it was Monday or Tuesday of last week that the decision was made to start production on sample shoes.

Attorney Daniel Baker, URW counsel, questioned Nelligan about production at other UniRoyal plants. He asked if these samples couldn’t be made at one of the other company shoe producing plants that was currently in production.

Nelligan told the court that this was not possible because a different type of shoe was made at these plants.

Baker then opened the question of management starting its inventory using non-bargaining personnel. He also returned to the subject of the “Gray Building.”

How many shoes were produced in the building? Nelligan stated that the first three or four sample shoes were made in the building. The union sought inspection of the “gray building.”

Judge Gaffney asked if a member of the Industrial Relations Department accompanied the union inspection team on its tour.

Smith told the court about the pickets not allowing personnel into the plant in the early days of the strike. He said on the first day of mass picketing he conferred with Naugatuck Police Capt. Joseph Summa and sent management personnel home. He said all this occurred after the union had been notified 24-hours in advance of the company’s intention to ship.

Smith testified that on the May 15th meeting with union representatives, the company made known its intention to start production, first offering the work to bargaining personnel. He told the court he, at that time, told the union he believed there was no longer an agreement; however, it was then believed settlement was imminent and the company did not press for production.

Again on the subject of sample shoes, Smith said that production could not be carried on in the “Keds” line, produced here in the borough, in another company plant without moving equipment in large numbers to another location.

Smith spoke of the work the union had allowed to continue in the “Gray Building.” He said that the union knew that certain materials were produced in the main plant to carry on this work and hadn’t objected.

He said that this was the only footwear plant in the United States to be shut down and declared it was necessary to have sample shoes ready by the August 1st date.

Smith said that if samples were not ready, salesmen would miss sales and this, in turn, would lower sales, lower fill-in sales, and thus reduce production in the Naugatuck Footwear plant.

Smith, again questioned about the agreement and the May 15th meeting, told the Judge that he did not remember coming back into the meeting room after making a telephone call and telling union representative that he would “honor the agreement.”

Baker asked Smith had he given the union 24-hours notice of intent to ship. And had not the company made an oral agreement that no personnel would enter the plant after 6 p.m.

Then Baker asked had not the fact that personnel came into the

Please Turn to Page 12

Beacon Falls

Beacon Hose Co. Firemen To Parade

BEACON FALLS – Captain Walter C. Carlson of Beacon Hose Co. No. 1 has announced that members will attend the Firemen’s Parade in Oxford this evening.

Members are requested to meet at the firehouse at 6:30 in full dress uniforms.

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.

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Two of the pickets had to be
forcibly ejected by police, fol-
lowing 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 do-
zen 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 ask-
ing to be arrested in sympathy
with those already arrested.

Arrested or charges of breach
of peace were John A. Painter,
38, Morris Rd., Prospect; Paul
Laurenzi, 41, 30 Serry Rd., Wol-
cott; Jesse J. Silva, 23, 143
Cherry St. and Anthony Gam-
bardella, 54, 53 Brichwood Rd.,
Seymour. Court appearances
were set for June 8.

Management lawyer, Atty. J. Kenneth Bradley, said Friday that the production was ”partially” for the defense effort, and partially of items ”for use in other parts of the country.”

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Management lawyer, Atty. J.
Kenneth Bradley, said Friday
that the production was “par-
tially” for the defense effort,
and partially of items “for use
in other parts of the country.”

He did not go into detail on
the use of the items except to
say the items “are not for use
by ourselves.”

Naugatuck Police Chief Frank
J. Mariano and Capt. Joseph
Summa were in the courtroom
for Friday’s session but were
not called upon to testify.

In asking for an end to the
picket line difficulties, Judge
Gaffney said it was easy for
him to understand them when it
appears to union members that
“someone is destroying … the
right to work and live.”

“I trust we will never have a
hearing” on the matter, the
judge said. He added that he
hoped he would not be forced to
issue an injunction against the
union.

Judge Gaffney on May 6 is-
sued an order for a show cause
hearing against Local 45 of the
United Rubber Workers in con-
nection with picketing at the
Footwear Division, also in Nau-
gatuck, but a hearing has never
been held.

It has been continued twice
and more continuances will be
entered as long as the picketing
remains peaceful, Judge Gaff-
ney said.

Seeks Same Effect

He said he hopes the issuance
of a show cause order against
Local 218 will have the same
pacifying effect on picketing ac-
tivities at the Chemical Plant.

The United Rubber Workers
has been on strike for five
weeks.

Negotiations in Cincinnati,
Ohio, on the master contract re-
cessed Friday until Wednesday

No Violence As Management Crosses Lines

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No Violence As Management Crosses Lines

By Ruth Nichols

Police were alerted early this morning when it was noticed that an unusually large number of pickets were massing at the gates of the Chemical Division of UniRoyal, Inc.

An attempt was made by approximately 30 pickets to keep management of the Chemical Division from entering the plant.

A large contingent of policemen, led by Capt. Joseph Summa, was dispatched to the trouble area. Capt. Summa read the riot act to the pickets when they refused to open their ranks to allow management through.

However, there was no violence committed by the pickets in their attempt to seal off the gates.

A group of eight pickets, including Joseph Rzeszutek, president of Local 218, URW, were taken to the police station in patrol cars where they were booked on breach of peace charges at 8 o’clock this morning. No resistance was offered.

Rzeszutek said this morning that the union had been notified that the company intended to resume production yesterday using supervisory personnel.

Rzeszutek issued the following statement on behalf of the Local: “The membership questioned the poor judgment of management’s decision to operate equipment with personnel unfamiliar with operation procedure and safety hazards involved. Serious accidents occur with experienced operators at the control of equipment and with a full compliment of people who were fortunate to contain hazardous situations.”

Rzeszutek continued by saying, “Operating production equipment with inexperienced personnel and only skeleton crews presents definite hazards

ONE OF EIGHT Local 218 members arrested in Naugatuck at the gate of the Uniroyal Chemical Plant this morning is led away by police to be booked on charges of breach of peace. Local Pres. Joseph Rzeszutek was one of those charged.

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ONE OF EIGHT Local 218 members arrested in Naugatuck at the gate of the Uniroyal Chemical Plant this morning is led away by police to be booked on charges of breach of peace. Local Pres. Joseph Rzeszutek was one of those charged.

ONE OF EIGHT Local 218 members arrested in Naugatuck at the gate of the Uniroyal Chemical Plant this morning is led away by police to be booked on charges of breach of peace. Local Pres. Joseph Rzeszutek was one of those charged.—King Photo.

LONG LINE of non-union employes at the Chemical Plant of Uniroyal in Naugatuck files down hill toward the plant gate in the rain this morning to square off against picketing members of Local 218. Eight pickets were arrested and, after Police Capt. Joseph Summa read the riot act in the state statutes, the pickets allowed the workers to enter the plant. —King Photo