layoffs

CHEM-TEXTS – 1977-v11-i03-s256

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Page 256

UNIROYAL CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 11, 1977 | PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL | No. 3

10 Uniroyal Scholarships Offered

Ten Uniroyal Merit scholarships are offered to children of employees through the nationwide scholarship program of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

All children of Uniroyal employees, who have more than 5 years of continuous service as of the date of the award, are eligible for the scholarships.

Application Must Be Filed for Scholarships

Applications for the 1979 scholarships must be submitted by November 30, 1977. They can be obtained from the Industrial Relations Dept. along with a folder which gives complete details on the scholarships. Call Constance Antrum, Ext. 3217.

Students who wish to apply for a scholarship must do so during their Junior year by taking the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Tests which are usually given in October by the high school. Students should check the school office for the dates of the tests.

(continued on page 3)

Footwear Operations To Close

NAUGATUCK, CONN. — The Company has announced that a tentative decision has been made to shut down the fabric footwear operations at the Footwear Plant.

Presently, there are four assembly lines, employing approximately 750 wage and salaried people, producing fabric shoes. Imports and high labor costs are forcing the company to study the economics of manufacturing footwear in Naugatuck. Previous reductions have resulted in the layoff of over 1,000 employees.

If these tentative plans should be finalized, some footwear production operations will be moved from the Naugatuck plant to other Uniroyal footwear manufacturing facilities. However, other operations in the plant, such as warehousing, custom mixing and sponge underlay manufacturing, would not be affected by this tentative decision.

Operations May Move

Qualified employees whose jobs may be affected will be eligible for benefits under the Company’s existing benefit program. Also, federal benefits under the Trade Act of 1974 may be available to such employees.

Plant Tour-Picnic Held

[IMAGE: Shows people standing near tents at an outdoor event]

The tours included visits to the Research & Development Laboratory, Bldg., 81; the new Roylar Bldg. 80; the new FOC plant, Bldg. 124; and the Power House.

On Sunday, October 2, the first annual Plant Tour and Picnic was held. Although the weather was threatening all day the tour turned out to be a great success. It was followed by a picnic at Lake Quassapaug in the afternoon.

The tour included visits to the Research & Laboratory Bldg.; the new Roylar® polyurethane elastomer Bldg.; the new Fine Organic Chemicals Bldg. and the plant’s Boiler House.

In each building employees and their spouses were given a brief description of the activities in the building by a supervisory member. In the tent an array of finished samples made from the plant’s products provided an in-

(continued on page 4)

New Business for the Plant

by R. J. Lak

[IMAGE: Shows Philip Duarte loading a pallet of Comite miticide cans onto a trailer truck with James Nolan and Robert McDermott]

Philip Duarte loads a pallet of 5 gal. cans of Comite® miticide onto a trailer truck as James Nolan, center, and Robert McDermott check the shipment.

The Chemical plant is purchasing equipment to formulate Comite® and Omite® 6-E miticides in Bldg. 100 from Omite Tech. The new equipment includes a new weigh scale in 100 Building and a canning machine in 118 Building, capable of canning out one, two, and five gallon pails. Completion of this installation is scheduled for early 1978.

For Domestic and Foreign Markets

This fall, Naugatuck will formulate Comite for the Florida market and Omite 6-E for the Export market. These orders consist of 13,000 gals. (115,000 lbs.) of Comite in five gallon pails, and 4,000 gals. (40,000 lbs.) of Omite 6-E in five gallon pails.

To Increase in 1978

Formulation plans for 1978 will include 150,000 gals. (1,500,000 lbs.) of Comite and 21,000 gals. (210,000 lbs.) of Omite 6-E. This material will be formulated and shipped out of Naugatuck before the end of the 2nd quarter.

Up until this time, Omite formulation was done at F.M.C. in Fresno, California. When in operation, the Naugatuck plant will have the capability of completely replacing the present formulation site in Fresno, California.

Income, Sales Up

The Company’s 3rd quarter net income was $5.1 million compared with a loss of $7.7 million in the strike-affected 3rd quarter of 1976.

Sales were $591 million compared with $489 million in the 3rd quarter of 1976.

9 Months Income and Sales

Net income for the nine months of 1977 was $34.7 million or $1.17 a share compared with $62,000 in 1976.

Sales for the first nine months of 1977 were $1.96 billion compared with $1.68 billion in 1976.

Tire Sales Up

The Sales of Tires and Related Products were $340 million compared with $272 million in 1976.

While unit sales continue to increase in the tire category, industry-wide price pressures in the U.S. affected profits, and these pressures are continuing into the 4th quarter.

(continued on page 3)

CHEM-TEXTS – 1975-v09-i03-s228

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Page 228

UNIROYAL CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 9, 1975 | PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL | No. 3

Company Announces Tentative Closing Of Reclaim Rubber Operations

200 Employees Affected

For years the rumor has persisted that the Reclaim Rubber Plant would close down because of competition from synthetic rubber, the marketing of radial tires, and annual losses due to lower demand.

It seems that the 80 year era may now be at an end when the plant management announced the tentative plans to close it down in a statement to the officers of the URW Local 218 on May 21.

Constant Efforts Made to Keep Operating

Over the past years the plant’s management and the union’s officers have analyzed ways to reduce costs and improve the output of the operation but the efforts have not been able to change the financial status of it. The Company felt, after investigating all possibilities that it was necessary to announce a tentative decision to close it down.

New Markets Do Not Materialize

The Sales department attempted to increase prices and generate new markets but the efforts were not successful. Research and Development has been working with the State of Connecticut on the use of it in roads but the progress has been slow and no substantial results seem to be in the offing.

continued on page 2

[IMAGE CAPTION:]
The Reclaim Rubber plant dates back to 1892 and is the oldest production unit at the Naugatuck Chemical location. It recycles about 1,500,000 scrap tires a year.

27 Receive Diplomas

[IMAGE CAPTION:]
Factory Manager James Cronin hands out diplomas to people who graduated from the Techniques of Supervision Course. From left are Irene Broderick, K. Donald Nelson, Rocco Magnanimo, Angenette Grant, Cronin, Frederick Gould, the Instructor, and George Allen, who set up the educational program.

After ten weeks of lectures on the Techniques of Supervision twenty seven foremen and supervisors graduated in a ceremony in Bldg. 81 conference room. Factory Manager James Cronin presented the certificates, bringing the total number of graduates of the course to 61.

Frederick Gould, an assistant professor on the Connecticut State Technical Colleges staff, conducted the sessions. Having been a Foreman at the American Brass Co. mill operations in

continued on page 4

U.S. Issues 34 Patents; One-Third of Uniroyal Total

[IMAGE CAPTION:]
Dr. Stephen Cantor, left, who received 5 patent awards, discusses a new chemical with Dr. Byron Hunter who received his 38th., the highest in the Chemical division.

1974 was a banner year for the Chemical Division when 34 patents were issued to it by the U.S. Patent Office. This is the largest number in the division’s history except for the year 1966 and represents one third of the total awarded to the Company by the U.S. The Company—as a whole—received 109 U.S. patents.

In addition, it received 109 patents in foreign countries, exclusive of Canada.

Some of the significant patents included those issued to Leland Dannals for the Polywet® K products, which are used as emulsifiers in the production of latex; William Fischer (retired) for thermoplastic rubbers; Rob-

continued on page 4

Fuel Use Down; But Costs Go Up

The Energy Conservation Task Force, organized in 1973 to conserve energy in the plant, was able to achieve a reduction of 22.9% in fuel oil consumption in 1974 over 1973. The decrease amounted to an average saving in oil equivalent to a 65 day supply.

The drop in the use of steam resulted from the repair of steam leaks; improved techniques in power use; cooperation by employees to close windows and doors in buildings; improved pipe insulation and good climatic conditions during the winter.

Although Use Is Down Costs Almost Double

Under normal conditions the 22.9% reduction in oil would have shown a substantial savings in fuel costs. But because of the

continued on page 2

Dividend Declared

The company declared a dividend of 17½ cents a share on the common stock, which is payable June 25 to stockholders of record on May 27.

A dividend of $2 a share on the 8% first preferred stock, was declared by the Board of Directors on February 12, and is payable June 25 to stockholders of record on May 27.

CHEM-TEXTS – 1975 – Page 3

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Page 003

CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 10, 1975 | Page 3

Division Closes 3 Plants

Final plans have been made to close three Chemical Division plants: the Reclaim Rubber plant at Naugatuck; the Paracril® nitrile rubber plant in Baton Rouge, La.; and the Marvinol® polyvinyl chloride plant in Painesville, Ohio.

The Division closed the Synthetic rubber plant at the Naugatuck location in November, 1973.

500 Employees Affected

The closings will affect over 500 employees at the three plants. Eligible personnel will receive pension benefits or termination allowances based on their years of service with the company.

Reclaim Plant

The Reclaim plant dates back to 1892 and is one of the oldest units at the Naugatuck location. For the past five years it has operated under severe economic conditions and even after intensive efforts on the part of the union and management were made to operate it competitively, it became necessary to close it.

Painesville Closing

The large capital expenditures necessary to remain in the polyvinyl chloride resin business and to meet the OSHA standards on employee exposure to vinyl chloride were the principal reasons for the division to close the PVC operations at Painesville. The plans do not affect the

1,000,000 Hit Again

[IMAGE: UNIROYAL EMPLOYEE SAFETY RECORD sign showing INJURIES – DISABLING and SERIOUS counts, with “LAST 24” and “DISABLING INJURY” / “OUS INJURY” / “ATIONS” visible, with “100” displayed]

James Cronin, Factory Manager, left, and Joseph Rzeszutek, President of URW Local 218 stand in front of one of the Safety Performance panels at the entrance to the plant.

For the third time in a two and half year period the goal of 1,000,000 manhours without a Lost Time Accident has been achieved.

At the time Chem-Texts went to press, employees were well on the way to 2,000,000 manhours without a disabling accident.

Paracril nitrile rubber operations.

Baton Rouge Plant

The third plant to be closed was the Paracril nitrile rubber plant in Baton Rouge, La. About 110 employees will be affected by the closing. Eligible personnel will receive pensions or termination allowances according to the company’s benefits program.

The decision will not affect the division’s Kralastic® ABS resin plant in Scotts Bluff, La.

As part of the plant’s 1975 Safety Incentive Award program all employees received a new, uncirculated bicentennial half dollar. Besides this award, plant personnel receive a silver dollar award each month for their “group achievement” performance in safety.

Improved Safety Record Reduces Accidents Costs

In 1974 accidents to employees cost the plant $238,359 for hospital and medical costs and compensation. The cost does not include the overtime wages and the other indirect costs for an accident.

The Safety department estimates that the average direct cost of a Lost-Time accident is $15,000 and the total indirect costs can be as high as $60,000 to $75,000 for one accident.

CHEM-PROD JOTTINGS

by 7 BUILDING CREW

This will be my last article for Chem-Texts as Chemical Production Superintendent.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people with whom I’ve had the pleasure to work with during these last twelve years.

During this period I’ve worked directly with great crews in the Laboratory, Pilot Plant and Chemical Production. I’ve seen the plant make great strides in improved safety, quality consciousness and productivity. We are now undergoing more dramatic changes, all for the best, to improve the health of the Naugatuck Chemical location.

Much hard work remains before us and I’ll miss not working with all of you in the future.

Thanks again.

Arrivederci Roma,
Joe Bucciaglia

Chittenden Insurance Agency, Inc.

Insurance—Mutual Funds—Real Estate

180 Church Street
Naugatuck, Connecticut
Tel. 729-8209

Frederick D. Zonino | Nathan M. Pierpont, Jr.

Breen’s

The Biggest Little Store In The Country
Visit our four floors of famous brands for him and her

Cosmetic & Jewelry Dept.
Guerlain
Elizabeth Arden
Nina-Ricci
Chanel
Yves Saint Laurent
Monet
Napier
Marvella Pearls

Lingerie Shop
Vanity Fair
Olga—Barbizon
Schrank Robes
Shadowline

Ski Boutique
Ski Jackets
Warm-Up Slacks
Ski Pants
Ski Sweaters
Gloves & Sweaters

Jr. Sportswear
Collegetown Sweaters
White Stag—Skirts, Slacks
Davis Coats
Peerless Sportwear

Men’s Shop
Manhattan Shirts
Botany Suits—Sport Coats
H. Freeman Suits
London Fog Rainwear
Florsheim Shoes
Jaymar Slacks

Ladies’ Dept.
Couture Coats
Tanner Dresses
Vanity Fair Lingerie
Joyce—Naturalizer Shoes

Hearing Tests Underway

Over 200 employees have now received hearing tests under the Safety department’s hearing conservation program. The goal of the department is to give every employee, wage and salary, a test to determine the status of their hearing.

The tests are being given daily at the Synthetic plant by Ann McAllister R.N. the plant nurse and James Loman of the Safety department. Both have received special training in audiometrics to qualify them for this type of work.

The results of the test are discussed with each person and if any kind of defect in hearing is noted the person is advised of it.

Employees are requested to keep their appointments for the tests or else notify the plant nurse or the safety department.

[IMAGE: Photo of hearing test being administered]

James Loman, a certified hearing conservationist, gives a hearing test to Daniel Kogut in the special booth at the Synthetic plant.

Company Announces Tentative Closing Of Reclaim Rubber Operations

by

UNIROYAL CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 9, 1975 | PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL | No. 3

Company Announces Tentative Closing Of Reclaim Rubber Operations

200 Employees Affected

For years the rumor has persisted that the Reclaim Rubber Plant would close down because of competition from synthetic rubber, the marketing of radial tires, and annual losses due to lower demand.

It seems that the 80 year era may now be at an end when the plant management announced the tentative plans to close it down in a statement to the officers of the URW Local 218 on May 21.

Constant Efforts Made to Keep Operating

Over the past years the plant’s management and the union’s officers have analyzed ways to reduce costs and improve the output of the operation but the efforts have not been able to change the financial status of it.

The Company felt, after investigating all possibilities that it was necessary to announce a tentative decision to close it down.

New Markets Do Not Materialize

The Sales department attempted to increase prices and generate new markets but the efforts were not successful. Research and Development has been working with the State of Connecticut on the use of it in roads but the progress has been slow and no substantial results seem to be in the offing.

continued on page 2

[IMAGE CAPTION:]
The Reclaim Rubber plant dates back to 1892 and is the oldest production unit at the Naugatuck Chemical location. It recycles about 1,500,000 scrap tires a year.

27 Receive Diplomas

[IMAGE CAPTION:]
Factory Manager James Cronin hands out diplomas to people who graduated from the Techniques of Supervision Course. From left are Irene Broderick, K. Donald Nelson, Rocco Magnanimo, Angenette Grant, Cronin, Frederick Gould, the Instructor, and George Allen, who set up the educational program.

After ten weeks of lectures on the Techniques of Supervision twenty seven foremen and supervisors graduated in a ceremony in Bldg. 81 conference room. Factory Manager James Cronin presented the certificates, bringing the total number of graduates of the course to 61.

Frederick Gould, an assistant professor on the Connecticut State Technical Colleges staff, conducted the sessions. Having been a Foreman at the American Brass Co. mill operations in

continued on page 4

U.S. Issues 34 Patents; One-Third of Uniroyal Total

[IMAGE CAPTION:]
Dr. Stephen Cantor, left, who received 5 patent awards, discusses a new chemical with Dr. Byron Hunter who received his 38th., the highest in the Chemical division.

1974 was a banner year for the Chemical Division when 34 patents were issued to it by the U.S. Patent Office. This is the largest number in the division’s history except for the year 1966 and represents one third of the total awarded to the Company by the U.S. The Company—as a whole—received 109 U.S. patents.

In addition, it received 109 patents in foreign countries, exclusive of Canada.

Some of the significant patents included those issued to Leland Dannals for the Polywet® K products, which are used as emulsifiers in the production of latex; William Fischer (retired) for thermoplastic rubbers; Rob-

continued on page 4

Fuel Use Down; But Costs Go Up

The Energy Conservation Task Force, organized in 1973 to conserve energy in the plant, was able to achieve a reduction of 22.9% in fuel oil consumption in 1974 over 1973. The decrease amounted to an average saving in oil equivalent to a 65 day supply.

The drop in the use of steam resulted from the repair of steam leaks; improved techniques in power use; cooperation by employees to close windows and doors in buildings; improved pipe insulation and good climatic conditions during the winter.

Although Use Is Down Costs Almost Double

Under normal conditions the 22.9% reduction in oil would have shown a substantial savings in fuel costs. But because of the

continued on page 2

Dividend Declared

The company declared a dividend of 17½ cents a share on the common stock, which is payable June 25 to stockholders of record on May 27.

A dividend of $2 a share on the 8% first preferred stock, was declared by the Board of Directors on February 12, and is payable June 25 to stockholders of record on May 27.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 4 – Page 3

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Page 003

CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 3 No. 4 Page 3

KNOW YOUR BENEFITS:

by W. B. Kirkendall

Some Questions and Answers On Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB)

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

Q. When am I eligible?

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

TYPES OF BENEFITS

Q. What type of benefits are there?

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

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

Q. How many benefits am I eligible for?

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

PROCEDURES AND CONDITIONS

Q. What are the procedures and conditions for SUB?

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

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

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

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

Report Address Changes

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

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

UNIROYAL STORES OFFER DISCOUNTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Foremen’s Club Awards $250 Scholarship

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

by Phil Paul

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

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

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

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

Vacation Special Fly To Bermuda

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

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

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

Safety Belts Save Lives

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

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

Progress Signs Seen In Talks

by

Progress Signs Seen In Talks

Friday MAY 19, 1967 [handwritten]

NAUGATUCK Negotiations between the United Rubber Workers and Uniroyal, Inc. are scheduled to continue today in Cincinnati, with informed sources indicating Thursday that signs of progress are being made.

As the strike entered its fifth week, rumors swept the borough to the effect that Firestone had either settled or was very close to settlement. The rumors remained unconfirmed, however, as sources claimed that Firestone did not meet with the union Thursday. They, too, however, are scheduled to meet today.

The signs of progress in the Uniroyal talks were indicated when informed sources said that the number of issues being discussed had dropped from approximately 50 to about 20. What any of the issues are, however, remains unknown.

In addition, sources said, management had offered a guaranteed annual wage amounting to 75 per cent base wage in case of layoffs. The union is reportedly seeking over 90 per cent.

Details of the 75 per cent clause could not be obtained.

The scene in the borough remained quiet again Thursday, and many pickets seemed more cheerful as the rumors of Firestone’s progress ran around town.

In Waterville, a trucker approaching the URW picket line at a Uniroyal warehouse there chose to honor the picket and the truck was taken into the warehouse without incident by a white collar employe.

General Tire

by

(Conn.) Tues., June 13, 1967

General Tire

Continued From Page 1

For the first time, the negotiators, at management’s request, were grappling with wages and all fringe benefits in one package. Traditionally, three-year welfare pension contracts and two-year wage contracts are negotiated separately. The welfare pension contracts do not expire until fall.

Another improvement in General’s weekend offer, which Bommarito called “attractive” as a basis for settlement, was an improvement in supplemental unemployment benefit payments providing for 80 per cent of average straight-time pay for laid-off workers or for those on short work-weeks.

This total would include unemployment compensation. Offers of the other companies provided for 75 per cent of straight pay.

General’s offer includes a provision for six weeks vacation after 30 year’s service and two weeks after one year’s service along with existing intermediate vacations.

It is understood that the General proposal for pensions has been upped close to $5.50 per month for each month of service.

Should a settlement be achieved on a “single package” basis, it would be the first time in the rubber industry. Pensions and welfare matters have previously been reserved to a separate contract, the existing one due to expire next Sept. 15.

Previously however, the wage contract and pension agreements have expired on at least alternate years. The proximity of the pension – contract’s conclusion was held to be an obstacle to an earlier settlement of wages.

The companies acknowledged they were reluctant to expose themselves to a substantial wage-cost increase, only to be faced in a few months with another strike over pensions and other welfare matters. Until two weeks ago, however, the union apparently had been adamant about keeping the two contracts separate.

Strike Settlement Rumors Remain Unconfirmed Today

by
Strike Settlement Rumors Remain Unconfirmed Today

Neptune

[IMAGE: Black and white photograph showing a Neptune truck backed into a driveway with two men holding strike signs in front of a building]

PICKETS and management watched yesterday as a truck backed into the driveway of the EMI building on Spencer St. without incident. The driver of the truck appeared to be a little uncertain of his reception but picketers assured him no attempt would be made to stop his entry onto Company property. -(News photo by Nichols)

Friday MAY 19, 1967 [handwritten]

Strike Settlement Rumors Remain Unconfirmed Today

Excitement mounted yesterday afternoon in the borough as stories of the strike settlement grew stronger. The NEWS office was deluged with calls, seeking confirmation that it was settled or about to be settled.

Firestone did not meet with the Union yesterday in Cincinnati and the rumor was to the effect that they had either settled or were about to settle. The story remained unconfirmed and Firestone is again scheduled to meet with the negotiators today.

According to informed sources, some progress is noted in the UniRoyal talks. The number of issues involved have dropped from approximately 50 to 20.

One of the main issues in the strike negotiations has been said to be the guaranteed annual wage. Sources say that management is now offering a guaranteed annual wage amounting to 75 per cent of base wage in the case of a lay-off. The union’s original demand was reportedly 90 per cent.

However, with both parties agreeing to the pact not to issue any statement until settlement is reached, none of this could be confirmed.

Picketing remains quiet in the borough this morning. The pickets seemed to be buoyed this morning with the talk of settlement running strong for the first time in the month-long strike.

Five Top Rubber Firms Agree to Share Cost If Any of Them Is Hit by a Work Stoppage

by

4/11/67

Five Top Rubber Firms Agree to Share Cost If Any of Them Is Hit by a Work Stoppage

◇

By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter

AKRON — The rubber industry’s five top tire producers disclosed they have joined in a mutual assistance agreement whereby any of them hit by a labor work stoppage will receive “substantial” financial assistance from the others.

The companies are Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., Uniroyal Inc., B.F. Goodrich Co., and General Tire & Rubber Co.

Goodyear, Firestone, Uniroyal and Goodrich are in negotiations with the United Rubber Workers Union on contracts to replace the present pacts expiring April 20. General Tire is scheduled to begin negotiations April 17 on a new contract replacing the one expiring May 15. About 75,000 United Rubber Workers members are employed by the five companies.

Details of the “strike cost insurance” accord weren’t disclosed. It is understood that other rubber companies in the industry were invited to participate but only the five large concerns signed the agreement.

Peter Bommarito, international president of the United Rubber Workers, said he had no immediate comment on the companies’ agreement, but he indicated he might have a statement later. The union and the several companies in negotiations have followed their traditional policy of no public discussions on the progress of the talks.

The mutual assistance accord among the five companies was termed a “private” agreement; that is, no insurance underwriter or outside party is involved. Any benefits accruing to any of the five experiencing a labor work stoppage, it is understood, would be based on a specific formula worked out by the companies.

The formula or the basis on which benefits would be computed wasn’t disclosed. The benefits, however, would be aimed at assisting a struck company to defray certain fixed costs, with possibly certain other continuing charges, and wouldn’t reimburse the struck concern with any revenues or profits, it was noted.

An integral part of the agreement also provides that it doesn’t prohibit any of the five concerns from continuing negotiations with the union independently from the others or any reaching a separate contract satisfactory to itself, the companies said.

The mutual assistance agreement, while representing a “first” among rubber companies, has precedents in other industries. Seven commercial airlines have such an agreement. A group of railroads in 1959 inaugurated a similar but more complicated insurance plan under which participating roads would pay into an insurance pool only in the event that a limited percentage of the industry was hit by a strike.

Members of the American Newspaper Publishers Association can obtain strike insurance through an ANPA agreement with a Bermuda-based insurance company.

The current contract negotiations are taking place in three Ohio cities. Goodyear and Uniroyal are having their talks with the United Rubber Workers in Cincinnati, while Firestone is negotiating in Cleveland and B. F. Goodrich in Columbus.

In addition to “substantial” wage increases, the union is seeking adoption of a “full employment” program built on supplemental benefit payments in effect in the industry and increasing the companies’ supplemental benefit payments to 7 cents from 5 cents an hour per worker.

As proposed, the plan would lift to 92½% from the present 65% of weekly straight-time pay the benefits to be received by a laid-off worker, including state unemployment compensation. If the laid-off worker isn’t eligible for state compensation the benefit pay would be 95% of weekly straight-time pay,

Rubber Negotiations Off Until Wednesday

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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.