Local 308

Froehlich Returns From Ohio Parleys

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Froehlich Returns From Ohio Parleys

4/25/67 [handwritten]

NAUGATUCK—Union members of Locals 45 and 218 of United Rubber workers were informed on the progress of negotiations in Cincinnati although union officials declined to say what specifically had been discussed at the meetings Monday.

The presidents of the three locals, George Froehlich from Local 45, Joseph Rzeszutek from Local 218 and Edward Alves from Local 308, returned from Cincinnati over the weekend for a breather and a chance to talk to the union members.

Whether the meetings held were for information only or for policy review was not learned, although Froehlich siad he had “met with the executive board” Monday morning. He will return to Cincinnati today to resume negotiations Wednesday.

Although picketing remains quiet at the borough operations, with no official report of difficulties, officials of the Chemical Division, Local 218, report that members of the local will picket the plant “24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

In addition, it was reported, members will picket in three-hour shifts. Local 218 began a buildup of picketing Friday when some members decided to picket throughout the night and most of Saturday.

Local 45, Footwear Plant, continue to picket in two-hour shifts from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The same procedure is being used by Local 308.

The Associated Press reported that pickets from a rebel Chicago local paraded Monday at facilities of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. — the only one of the industry’s “Big Four” not hit by a URW strike.

Work continued on a day-by-day basis at Goodyear under a contract extension after the contract ran out Thursday.

Although talks are reportedly still in progress between Goodyear and the URW, some 500 members of Local 532 walked out at Goodyear’s industrial hose plant in North Chicago. Local leaders said they would try to urge other Goodyear locals to follow suit.

A score of pickets at the plant carried signs saying,”Must we stand alone?” and “Local 532 on strike.”

Besides the approximately 5,000 workers at the borough Uniroyal plants, some 16,000 other Uniroyal employes connected with the URW are on strike, as are 17,585 at Firestone and 10,930 at B. F. Goodrich.

Five Hurt When Train Won’t Stop

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Five Hurt When Train Won’t Stop

5-7-68 [handwritten]

NAUGATUCK—An attempt to push five railroad freight cars into a Uniroyal warehouse on Elm St. Friday afternoon resulted in injuries to at least five men as police officers tried to move picketing United Rubber Workers out of the way of the constantly moving train.

According to reports from some of those involved in the incident, a locomotive and five cars approached the gate leading to the warehouse at about 1 p.m.

Policemen at the scene said they expected the train would stop to allow them time to clear the track and gate of circulating pickets. They added that the train did not stop, but continued toward the warehouse at an estimated 10 mph. They had reportedly received a call claiming that the train would not stop.

Pickets held their position in front of the gate while police, some of whom were unaware that the train was still coming, trid to haul the pickets out of the path of the train.

Both police and pickets suffered injuries as the cars continued into the gate. Men from both sides were occasionally shoved against the moving cars.

Two pickets, Robert Sequenzia, 440 South Main St., and Mario Carniero, 18 Bridge St., were taken to St. Mary’s Hospital where they were treated and released.

One patrolman, Ronald Pruchnicki, received bruises and was treated at the hospital, returning to work for the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift.

Police Lt. Richard Payne received a groin injury, but was not taken to the hospital.

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.

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)

Naugatuck’s Quiet Strike Into 2nd Day

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4-22-67

Naugatuck’s Quiet Strike Into 2nd Day

NAUGATUCK (AP) — Three divisions of employes at the UniRoyal plant here are at a standstill on strike against the company as a national walk-out of United Rubber Workers continues in its second day.

The strike affects the footwear, synthetics and chemical divisions of UniRoyal. Some 5,500 workers, members of locals 45, 218 and 308 are involved.

Although B. F. Goodrich was also struck, the Shelton and Derby plants of the Goodrich Sponge Products Division are not unionized and therefore maintained regular production schedules.

The first day of picketing at Uniroyal passed quietly. No incidents were reported, and management personnel were allowed to enter the plant under a prior arrangement with the union.

Locals 45 and 308 suspended picketing last night for the weekend, and Local 218, chemical plant personnel, was scheduled to picket one gate today until 6 p.m. There will be picketing tomorrow.

There were strikes at Uniroyal formerly the U.S. Rubber Co., two years and eight years ago at Naugatuck. The 1965 strike lasted three days and the 1959 walkout stopped production for three weeks.

Nationally, the strike involves more than 50,000 workers and is the largest to hit the industry since 1959.

The union called its members out against Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., the B.F. Goodrich Co., and Uniroyal, mem-

PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7

Applications For Strike Benefits Taken

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Applications For Strike Benefits Taken

4-28-67 [handwritten]

United Rubber workers and UniRoyal are continuing negotiation talks in Cincinnati as locals in Naugatuck are announcing schedules for applications to be taken for strike benefits.

Local 45, the largest of the three URW Locals in the borough, began taking applications this morning at 10 a.m., according to an announcement by Rita Ruggiero, secretary and treasurer of the local. The office will be open today for applications from 10 to 12 noon and from 1 to 4 p.m.

Art Calder, treasurer of Local 308, said that his local will maintain the same schedule for taking applications for benefits. Both units will also open their offices at the Portuguese Hall Monday, maintaining the same schedule, enabling members to file for benefits.

Members are urged to bring their social security card with them when making an application. Benefits will be payable the following week.

A union official in Cincinnati said that negotiation meetings are being conducted daily on a day-long basis. The meeting yesterday was in session until 10:45 last night and discussions were scheduled to resume this morning at 9 o’clock.

Ohio Talks Continue In Strike At Uniroyal

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Ohio Talks Continue In Strike At Uniroyal

4-27-67 [handwritten]

NAUGATUCK—Talks between the striking United Rubber Workers union and Uniroyal, Inc., are being continued today in Ohio, according to Local 45 Pres. George Froehlich. Negotiations were resumed Wednesday morning following a weekend recess.

Contacted Wednesday night in Cincinnati, Ohio, Froehlich declined to state whether or not an agreement between the two groups was in sight. His only comment was that negotiations will continue.

Although no official word has been released on the progress of the negotiations, it has been reported that a major stumbling block in the talks is the union’s demand for a guaranteed annual wage.

While negotiations between representatives of the URW and Uniroyal continue in Cincinnati, rubber worker locals in plants across the nation continue to picket operations.

Picketing in the borough remains quiet, with small groups of pickets keeping vigil at strategic locations around the plant entrances. The locals will shortly be entering their second week of striking.

Both Locals 45 and 308 maintain picket operations from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m., with no reports of difficulty procuring volunteers to carry the strike placards. Local 218 is maintaining its picketing “24-hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.”

Members of Local 218 were asked to report to local headquarters on Curtiss St., Wednesday and today from 1 to 4 p.m. to fill out applications for strike benefits. Locals 45 and 308 have not yet notified members to report for the applications.

Firm Offers “Inadequate,” Union Charges

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Rubber Strike 4-27-67

Firm Offers “Inadequate,” Union Charges

AKRON, Ohio (UPI) — Negotiations were to continue today in the week-old rubber industry strike in the face of charges that four major companies have failed to make an adequate wage offer.

Peter Bomarito, international president of the striking United Rubber Workers, leveled the charge at the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., B. F. Goodrich, UniRoyal, Inc., and the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.

Contracts with the four firms expired last Thursday and all but Goodyear were struck. Both sides in the Goodyear negotiations agreed to extend the old contract on a day to day basis.

Bomarito said the companies have refused to follow a formula on wage adjustments that would give rubber workers about the same wages paid in the auto industry.

“For 20 years wage adjustments in the rubber and auto industries have paralleled each other,” he said.

“This year the major rubber companies say they will not follow the tandem relationship between auto and rubber workers because it will provide too great an increase,” he said.

Negotiations resumed Wednesday, with the three struck companies for the first time since 50,000 workers went on strike last Thursday.

Picketing in the borough remains quiet while rumors circulate that this will be a long strike.

Both Locals 45 and 308 are maintaining a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. picket schedule with members working two-hour shifts on the line. Local 218 is maintaining a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week schedule for its pickets.

Local 218 started yesterday and again today from 1 to 4 p.m. to have its members fill out applications for strike benefits. The other two Locals in the borough have not yet notified its members to report for applications.

This week local plants will be paying its striking workers for the last time until the strike comes to a conclusion. White collar workers are maintaining a regular work schedule within the plants.

Uniroyal Tension Increases

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Uniroyal Tension Increases

5-3-67 [handwritten]

NAUGATUCK — An atmosphere of tension developed on United Rubber Workers picket lines shortly before midnight Tuesday when Uniroyal management personnel attempted to enter office buildings with suitcases.

Locals 45 and 308 called out all-male picket teams at approximately 7 p.m. when reports were heard that Uniroyal would attempt to ship from the plant.

Pickets, which had been moving in six-member teams since April 21, were increased to nearly twice that amount Tuesday night when reports circulated that this move would be made.

For the first time since the strike began, the teams were totally lacking in women pickets, although approximately 80 per cent of Local 45 membership of 4,000 is comprised of women.

Police patrols, which had been limited to one patrolman at each of the four picket points, were increased to a total force of 25 or more.

Chief negotiator for the Naugatuck locals, George Froehlich, contacted in Cincinnati prior to the developments in the borough, stated that negotiations were scheduled to continue today but did not comment any further.

Company officials were not immediately available for comment on the purpose of the reported attempt to move management personnel into the plant premises.

Negotiations At Uniroyal Continuing

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Negotiations At Uniroyal Continuing

5-7-67 [handwritten notation]

NAUGATUCK — An unidentified union spokesman in Cincinnati reported negotiations will continue today as the strike against Uniroyal’s three plants here by the United Rubber Workers remains and pickets continue quietly.

Due to an agreement between union and manangment groups not to release any information, no indication of progress was given.

Whether or not some of the major union demands had been granted was not known, although it is believed the greatest stumbling block preventing a settlement is the demand for a guaranteed annual wage.

At present, six-member picket teams keep vigil at the company’s main entrances, permitting office workers to pass through the lines. How much longer pickets will permit this remains in the air, but one picket recently remarked that there was “too much business going on in there.”

Members of the three Naugatuck locals, 45,218 and 308, have by now filed for strike benefits which entitle them to $25 weekly until the strike ends. The last paychecks have been received.

Although union members also remain in the dark as to the progress of the negotiations, rumors are circulating among the membership that the strike will continue for some time to come.

UniRoyal Strike Negotiations Continuing

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UniRoyal Strike Negotiations Continuing

5-1-67

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

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

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

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

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

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 Workers Strike Naugatuck Plants

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Uniroyal Workers

Strike Naugatuck Plants

4-21-67

By TOM NUGENT

NAUGATUCK — Negotiations on a master contract between the United Rubber Workers (AFL-CIO) and Uniroyal, Inc. broke down shortly after midnight Thursday after management presented its final proposal, and pickets took up their positions.

Although the old master contract signed June 7, 1965 expired at midnight, union officials contacted the various locals across the country to withhold strike action until final notice.

The two groups reached a deadlock however when the final proposal was submitted at 12:30 a.m. and a strike was called.

Final word that the negotiations were deadlocked was followed by an orderly shutdown of machinery as the three Naugatuck locals, 308, 45 and 218, set up five picket points around the borough operation.

Each team is scheduled to picket in two-hour shifts throughout the night and starting today from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until agreement is reached.

Affected by the strike are approximately 5,000 employes in Naugatuck. Across the country another 17,000 Uniroyal workers are involved. It was not known at press time whether employes in the three other major rubber companies were also on strike.

The strike against Uniroyal was called following a month of negotiations between labor and management groups.

No information was immediately available as to what obstacles stood in the way of a settlement or as to which of the issues have already been settled.

Picket teams from Local 45, largest of the three, are assigned to the Maple St. gate, central warehouse office entrance. The other two locals are picketing one gate each at their respective plants.

Others Strike

AKRON, Ohio (UPI)—The United Rubber Workers struck the B. F. Goodrich Co. and the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. at midnight Thursday after negotiations failed to produce a contract agreement.

In negotiations with Goodyear in Cincinnati, the union agreed to continue working on a day-to-day basis. Negotiations were recessed until 10 a.m. Friday.

The strikes against the two firms idled 4,800 workers at Goodrich and 5,500 at Firestone.

The fifth firm in the rubber industry’s big five, General Tire, began negotiations Tuesday under a May 15 deadline.

Some 75,000 workers are directly affected by the negotiations. Contracts signed with the big five are generally used as a basis for negotiations with smaller firms.

Firestone employes involved total 17,500 in 11 plants located in eight states. B. F. Goodrich has 10,000 workers covered by the contract in nine plants. Goodyear employes 21,000 in 11 plants and Uniroyal has 22,000 in 19 facilities.

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).

PICKETERS ARE shown at the police station yesterday morning where they await their turn to be booked for breaking of peace. Yesterday morning 43 persons were booked following incidents on the picket lines on Maple St.

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8-5-67

[P]ICKETERS ARE shown at the police station yesterday morning where they await their turn be booked for breach of peace. Yesterday morning 43 persons were booked following incidents on the picket lines on Maple St. The lines were opened up to allow personnel to report | to work after a day’s vacation. UniRoyal sent the workers home Tuesday when the union refused to allow them through the line. However, yesterday following an early morning scuffle resulting in several arrests workers entered the building. —(News photo by Nichols)

UNIROYAL

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UNIROYAL

(Continued from Page 1)

Mengacci, vice president of Local 45, United Rubber Workers, warned strikers that state troopers would be called if the office help were not permitted to enter the plant. He said, “The union had come to an agreement to let male office workers in, but 15 women office workers would have to go home.”

“No, no, we won’t let them in,” was shouted by many of the strikers. Mengacci warned there might be “bloodshed” it became necessary for the State Police to restrain the workers. One angry worker retorted, “Custer made his last stand; we’ll make it here.”

Mengacci said any violence would be useless, since the company was trying to get an injunction to prevent the pickets from blocking employes who wanted to enter the plant.

Cyrus Blanchard, vice president of Local 308 at the Uniroyal Chemical plant across town also pleaded with the strikers. The male salaried workers began filtering into the plant with little resistance at about 8 a.m., although some were bumped as they passed pickets. The women workers had already started home and did not try come in with the men.

The scene then quieted, though the pickets and other striking employes maintained their vigil outside the gates.

Seventeen of the 21 arrested today were charged with breach of the peace and were released on cash bonds of $150 each, posted by union officials. On Thursday, arrested employes were freed without posting bond.

In contrast to Thursday, when all of those arrested walked over to the police station a block away, today four had to be dragged, although most went quietly. The four were charged with breach of the peace by assault, and their bonds were $200 each.

Mengacci and William Fernandes, a union representative, will appear in Superior Court this afternoon, when the company seeks to obtain a restraining order.

The strike is in now its 15th day. Negotiations are being conducted on a national level in Cincinnati where issues involve a guaranteed annual wage.

To maintain order, Chief Mariano has brought in added policemen on an overtime basis as well as supernumeraries. Many of the policemen involved in the fighting are related to the strikers and one patrolman said, “I have half my family working there.”

A number of the policemen complained about being caught in the middle between the union and office personnel.

Yesterday’s scuffling stemmed from union concerns that Uniroyal would try to ship merchandise from a struck warehouse. In the morning, pushing began as office employes tried to enter the building. Later in the day, a U.S. mail truck was blocked when it tried to leave the company grounds. The pickets converged on it but let it pass after a few minutes’ delay.

Picket Hauled Away By Cops

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Picket Hauled Away By Cops

FOR THIRD DAY in a row, pickets at the Uniroyal Footwear Plant in Naugatuck refused to allow non-union employes to cross their lines into the plant. This morning, 21 were arrested, including this unidentified man being dragged up the street to Police Headquarters.—Coviello Photo.

[Handwritten note in margin, left side:]
6-5-67

Pickets Arrested

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Pickets Arrested

5-5-67 [handwritten notation]

NAUGATUCK—Among those arrested by the Naugatuck Police during the near riot Thursday at the gates of the Footwear Division, Uniroyal, were:

Raymond Mengacci, 47, 37 Fairchild St.; Cyrus J. Blanchard, 45, 46 Hill Road; Clifford Owens, 57, Wooster St.; Jose Pinho, 37, 129 Aetna St., all of Naugatuck.

Also: Frank Rodrigues, 36, 119 Walnut St., Naugatuck; John A. Gandolfo, 36, Narcissus Road, Middlebury; Robert G. Irving, 23, 19 Lines Hill Road; Ronnie J. Kezelevich, 23, 16 Melbourne Court; Robert J. Mikulsis, 26, 29 Fern St.; Joseph J. Foley, 40, 199 Cherry St.; Michael Kalinoski, 49, 39 Fairchild St.; Franklin Mazuroski, 38, 63 Lester Drive, and Charles J. Butler, 49, Mulberry Street, all of Naugatuck.

And: John Sharkey, 37, 17 Martha St., Seymour; Donald Miles, 33, 84 Grand St., Seymour; Henry Hook, 37, 167 W. Church St., Seymour; Francisco Da Silva, 47, 20 Tolles Square, Naugatuck; Walter M. Scott, 36, 230 Pembroke Ave., Waterbury; James R. Dowling, 23, 87 Quinn St., Naugatuck; Guido Boschele, 56, Pond Hill Road, Naugatuck, and Albert Gomez, 38, 40 Cherry St., Waterbury.

James Faroni, 57, 39 Florence St.; Joseph A. Sciarretto, 46, 19 Baldwin St.; Carl Ostrom, 32, 223 New Haven Road; John M. Delcrosso, 41, 66 Greenwood St.; Harry C. Chofey, 42, 13 Surrey Drive; Thomas Lagonick, 51, Candee Road, all of Naugatuck.

And: William D. Mariano, 52, 31 Yale Ave., Middlebury; John Brazil, 43, 51 Alma St.; John Dillon, 57, 149 Wedgewood Drive; John Henao, 30, 194 Maple St., all of Naugatuck; George Petro, 30, Bradley Lane, Prospect; Nicholas Cesarello, 53, 132 Norton St., Waterbury; Lee Mattocks, 37, 18 Winchester St., Waterbury, and Joseph J. Kaczkowski, 57, 106 Morris St., Naugatuck.

Alexander Zdonick, 41, 57 Johnson St.; Harold Soucie, 40, 376 N. Main St.; John Cariello, 37, 19 Baldwin

rahan, 29, 21 Elmwood St.; Austin C. Cross, 46, 18 Lynn Circle; Earl C. Matthews, 34, 8 Pond St., all of Naugatuck; Ernest Kinsey, 31, 79 Dikeman St., Waterbury, and George C. Sporbert, 34, 19 Goos St., Waterbury.

The arrested men, all members of the United Rubber Workers Union, AFL-CIO, were released without bond and will appear in the Waterbury Circuit Court, June 8.

Hugh R. Ga-

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.

Picketing Peaceful In Uniroyal Strike

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Picketing Peaceful In Uniroyal Strike

5-11-67

NAUGATUCK—Picketing at the three strikebound Uniroyal plants in the borough continues to be quiet and, for the third straight day, striking United Rubber Workers allowed trucks to pass through the warehouse gates on Elm St. without incident.

Although a word from the picket team captains discouraged five trucks from entering the gates, eight passed through as strikers moved aside.

It was noted that some of the drivers who passed through were accompanied by men wearing white shirts. In one case, the driver, according to pickets, wanted to honor the picket lines and offered to let the co-driver take the truck through. The co-driver claimed he did not know how to drive the truck, and the driver, according to pickets, took the truck in “with protest.”

While pickets manned their posts in Naugatuck, negotiations were supposedly continuing in Cincinnati. The negotiators, however, have not been available for comment of any type since Friday.

At midnight today, the strikers will enter the fourth week of picketing. Although police and

pickets clashed in the early hours of three days last week, most of the strike has been quiet.

An injunction hearing scheduled for Tuesday was suspended when management decided everything was quiet. Superior Court Judge Leo V. Gaffney warned, however, against further incidents, adding that he would open court at any time to issue the injunction if it was deemed necessary.

UNIROYAL

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UNIROYAL

(Continued from Page 1)

Mengacci, vice president of Local 45, United Rubber Workers, warned strikers that state troopers would be called if the office help were not permitted to enter the plant. He said, “The union had come to an agreement to let male office workers in, but 150 women office workers would have to go home.”

“No, no, we won’t let them in,” was shouted by many of the strikers. Mengacci warned there might be “bloodshed” if it became necessary for the State Police to restrain the workers. One angry worker retorted, “Custer made his last stand; we’ll make it here.”

Mengacci said any violence would be useless, since the company was trying to get an injunction to prevent the pickets from blocking employes who wanted to enter the plant.

Cyrus Blanchard, vice president of Local 308 at the Uniroyal Chemical plant across town also pleaded with the strikers. The male salaried workers began filtering into the plant with little resistance at about 8:30 a.m., although some were bumped as they passed pickets. The women workers had already started home and did not try to come in with the men.

The scene then quieted, although the pickets and other striking employes maintained their vigil outside the gates.

Seventeen of the 21 arrested today were charged with breach of the peace and were released on cash bonds of $150 each, posted by union officials. On Thursday, arrested employes were freed without posting bond.

In contrast to Thursday, when all of those arrested walked over to the police station a block away, today four had to be dragged, although most went quietly. The four were charged with breach of the peace by assault, and their bonds were $200 each.

Mengacci and William Fernandes, a union representative, will appear in Superior Court this afternoon, when the company seeks to obtain a restraining order.

The strike is in now its 15th day. Negotiations are being conducted on a national level in Cincinnati where issues involve a guaranteed annual wage.

To maintain order, Chief Mariano has brought in added policemen on an overtime basis as well as supernumeraries. Many of the policemen involved in the fighting are related to the strikers and one patrolman said, “I have half my family working there.”

A number of the policemen complained about being caught in the middle between the union and office personnel.

Yesterday’s scuffling stemmed from union concerns that Uniroyal would try to ship merchandise from a struck warehouse. In the morning, pushing began as office employes tried to enter the building. Later in the day, a U.S. mail truck was blocked when it tried to leave the company grounds. The pickets converged on it but let it pass after a few minutes’ delay.

Uniroyal, Union Resume Contract Talks Today

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Deadline Near

4-20-67 [handwritten]

Uniroyal, Union Resume Contract Talks Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Residents Relieved At End Of 97-Day UniRoyal Strike

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Residents Relieved At End Of 97-Day UniRoyal Strike

Residents Relieved At End Of 97-Day UniRoyal Strike

By Cynthia Baran
and
Holly Fitzsimmons

“It’s wonderful!” “It’s great!”
“Yippee!”

Such were the comments on borough streets this morning following the end of the 97-day strike.

Businessmen expressed relief that the long walkout has ended and hope that business will soon be back to normal.

Restaurant owners who depend almost exclusively on patronage from UniRoyal employees are looking forward to the end of the shutdown.

Barry Demirali, proprietor of Robinson’s Luncheonette, said, “It’s wonderful. We were very slow. Fortunately, we didn’t have to lay off any of our people.”

At the Coffee Shop on Maple St., John Fazo noted, “We’re very happy. People won’t suffer anymore.”

Carl Nickle of Donovan’s Pharmacy added, “I’m very enthusiastic; very happy. Business will pick up.”

Bariki Seit at the A&B Sub Shop, which opened two days after the strike began, commented, “It was too long.”

People may not eat in restaurants during a strike, but they still have to eat. Peter DeSanto, manager of First National Store, said that business was as usual. He admitted that he expected a slump in business and was surprised that it did not occur.

A checker at the grocery store noted that they bought less when they shopped, but came more often.

Other businesses in the borough also suffered as a result of the strike.

The Handee Variety Store on Water Street, which depends on UniRoyal workers for 90 per cent of its business, was forced to close in the afternoon for the duration of the strike as 80 per cent of its customers evaporated. The proprietor cancelled subscriptions to all afternoon newspapers.

The story at Vic’s Smoke Shop was slightly different. The number of papers in stock was decreased, but people continued to come in in the morning asking for the latest word on the strike.

“I’m glad it’s over,” said one employee. “I was getting tired of being the Town Crier.”

Conversely, the Teri Travel Agency reported that business remained normal. “We were hurt more by the airlines strike last summer than by the local strike. It was an opportunity for some people to have a real vacation.”

Man-on-the-street comments ranged from “I’m very happy” to “The whole strike was a big joke anyway.”

Richard Dlugokecki, a UniRoyal employee enjoying a peaceful breakfast in a local luncheonette, said about the settlement, “A better thing couldn’t have happened.”

“It’s a wonderful thing. I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time. I’ve been going crazy hanging around,” Gene Thomas added.

George Sprocca, retired, observed, “The strike was bad for the town. They’ll never make up all the money they lost.”

Residents 7-27-67

Continued From Page 1

Paul Bessette, chairman of NYAC, stated, “I hope both union and management are satisfied with the new contract. Certainly the town economy has been effected by the strike. Who knows how long it will take to recover?”

Danny Lamano, heaving a sigh of relief, expressed the borough concensus, “I’m thrilled over this … after 14 weeks … it was too long.”

Production To Start Soon At UniRoyal

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Production To Start Soon At UniRoyal

Production To Start Soon At UniRoyal

7-28-67

Two of the three UniRoyal plants in the borough expected to be in production today with many of the departments in full operation.

The Chemical and Synthetic plants, which had been partially in production during the strike, started calling back employes to start working at 3 p.m. yesterday. Ronald Pohl, industrial relations manager of both plants, said that the employes are being notified personally by management.

The Footwear plant called warehouse employes into work immediately and are working out a schedule to start calling others into the factory. The Footwear plant annual shutdown is scheduled to begin today. Many employes have volunteered to work during their vacation period.

The three United Rubber Workers Locals in the borough have scheduled meetings of its membership to explain the new master contract and to take a vote on its ratification.

Cy Blanchard, vice-president of Local 218, Synthetic Division of UniRoyal, announced that a meeting will be held for the membership of the Local Sunday at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Nautuck High School. The Local’s president, Joseph Rzesutek, will return from Cincinnati tomorrow.

Local 308, Chemical Division of UniRoyal, will hold its meeting Monday at 7 p.m. at the Portuguese Club, Rubber Ave., according to announcement made by Joseph Arbachauskas, vice-president of the Local.

A special and regular meeting of Local 45, Footwear Division of UniRoyal, has been called for Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Naugatuck High School.

Local 45 requests all members to attend the meeting which has been called for the purpose of hearing a report from the policy committee on the new master contract and to take action on said agreement.

The public relations office of the Footwear Plant released the following announcement concerning the annual shut-down.

The Naugatuck Footwear Plant will observe the annual Plant Vacation Shutdown from today to August 21.

However, plans are in process to set up several production units for those employees who are available and willing to work during the shutdown period on a voluntary basis. Available employees should contact the Industrial Relations Department if they have not already signed up to work and every effort will be made to place them.

Mass shutdown forms will be distributed at the Water Street entrance of the Naugatuck Footwear Plant tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Employes eligible

Please turn to Page 10

900 Ready To Return To Work Immediately

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At Uniroyal 7-28-67

900 Ready To Return To Work Immediately

NAUGATUCK—In lieu of their upcoming three-week vacation, more than 900 employes at the Naugatuck Footwear Plant of Uniroyal, have signed up to go back to work as soon as possible.

Thomas Nelligan, labor relations manager for the Footwear Plant, said he has received hundreds of requests from workers who do not want to take their vacation but instead want to come back to work. The plant is scheduled to be shut down for a three-week vacation period beginning today.

However, Nelligan noted that only a few of the conveyors would be set up, and that only a small portion of the 900 would be called in.

He promised notification by Monday or Tuesday of next week for those who would be called in to work during the vacation period. He noted plans are still incomplete.

Two of the three locals at the company have announced meetings for membership ratification of the new contract.

Joseph Arbachauskas, vice president of Local 308, United Rubber Workers, announced today that a meeting for ratification of the new contract will be held by the membership Monday at 7 p.m. at the Portuguese Club, Rubber Ave.

Ratification by Local 45, Footwear plant, has been tentatively set for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Naugatuck High School. Vice president Raymond Mengacci said he is awaiting approval of the Board of Education for the use of the school.

As of presstime, there has been no announcement from Local 218 as to when and where the ratification meeting for that local will take place.

Two Locals Ratify UniRoyal-URW Master Contract; Third Due Tonight

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Two Locals Ratify UniRoyal-URW Master Contract; Third Due Tonight

atuck, Conn. Established 1885 MONDAY, JULY 31, 1967 10 PAGES Price Seven Cents

SURE-FIRE evidence of the end of the long UniRoyal strike | spaces on Water St. are now filling up more and more as work-
can be seen throughout the borough. Long empty parking | ers return to their jobs. —(News Photo by Baker)

Two Locals Ratify UniRoyal-URW Master Contract; Third Due Tonight

Vacationers Head For The Hills

Vacation time – a time when creatures from the land of steady habits undergo a metamorphosis and become camera-slung tourists, headed for all points of the compass.

Determined to have fun, they take to the highways and byways laden with all sorts of equipment; campers, boats, fly-rods and bicycles, and fun is what they usually find.

Of course there are minor irritations – the endless procession of suitcases crammed with things some member of the family just “had” to have, the bumper-to-bumper traffic in 90-degree heat and the kids em-

broiled in a free-for-all, but somehow, arriving at the vacation destination erases it all.

For some, lakes and rivers provide the ultimate in entertainment whether it be in the next town or the next country. Others find world travel more to their liking.

Group travel has grown in popularity within the past few years offering the vacationer more for less. Business or clubs arrange tours for employes or members at somewhat reduced rates thereby offering the individual a better vacation than he might otherwise have been able to afford.

UniRoyal has offered its employes several of these vacation trips in past years and this year has planned three trips to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

More than 160 employes will leave Kennedy Air Port Monday for two weeks, jetting across the ocean to their island in the sun.

Wherever the vacationer goes, here or abroad, for a weekend or a week, it’s all a part of the good life. It offers a change from the ordinary, a chance to soak up the sun and let the fresh air blow away the mental cobwebs.

Two of the three United Rubber Workers locals in Naugatuck have voted to ratify the master contract with UniRoyal. Local 308, Synthetic Division, is also expected to ratify the contract at a 7 o’clock meeting tonight.

Local 45, Footwear Division, voted unanimously Saturday afternoon to ratify, becoming the first Naugatuck local to do so.

Local 218, Chemical Division, held a voting session Sunday with only about 125 of its 725 members present. It is speculated that the small turnout is a result of many workers being away on vacation.

Several Local 218 members expressed annoyance at having to wait 45 days to begin negotiations on the local supplemental contract.

As the URW locals vote to ratify the master contract, UniRoyal is putting out the call for volunteers to work during vacation. A UniRoyal official said today that about 600 workers have already been placed but

Please turn to Page 10

3 Local Unions Ratification Voting Set

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7-29-67

3 Local Unions Ratification Voting Set

Ratification vote sessions for the three local unions, United Rubber Workers, which recently settled with UniRoyal, Inc., will be held today, tomorrow and Monday, union officials reported.

Local 45, Footwear Division, will hold a regular and special meeting today in the Naugatuck High School auditorium, Rubber Ave., at 2:30 p.m. The policy committee will give a report on the new proposed contract and a ratification vote will then be taken during the special session.

Local 218, Chemical Division, will meet tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium also for its ratification vote.

Local 308, Synthetic Division, will hold a regular and special session Monday at 7 p.m. in the Portuguese Club, Rubber Ave., for the purpose of taking a ratification vote.

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

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

The Evening Sentinel, Tuesday, August 1, 1967

BEACON FALLS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Requires Majority

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

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

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

Pact Talks Resume In Uniroyal Strike

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Pact Talks Resume In Uniroyal Strike

MONDAY MAY 15, 1967

Pact Talks Resume In Uniroyal Strike

NAUGATUCK— Negotiations between the United Rubber Workers and Uniroyal, Inc. resume Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Cincinnati, Ohio, as the strike against the three local plants moves into its 25th day.

The current strike is the longest since the 22-day old walkout in 1959.

Union and management negotiators returned to their homes over the week end after talks were recessed Friday.

Quiet is the report from the local scene where picket line turmoil of early May days has given way to court directed noninterference with the movements both pedestrian and vehicular of supervisory and nonunion personnel.

Shipment of goods resumed last week, without apparent incident other than the refusal of some truck drivers to cross the picket lines to enter the strikebound plants.

Quiet prevailed this morning, too, as supervisors and office employes go back on the job, some arriving possibly an hour earlier than the customary 8 a.m.

At least one supervisor reported being notified to start work at 7 a.m. today, but the reason for the earlier start could not be determained Sunday night or this morning.

The company and union are negotiating the master contract which concerns all 19 plants of Uniroyal throughout the country. About 7,000 workers in the borough are affected by the strike.

Strike Settlement Close? Most Residents Hope So

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Strike Settlement Close? Most Residents Hope So

Strike Settlement Close? Most Residents Hope So

Tuesday May 23, 1967

The new pastime in the borough is the guessing of when the strike will end. A more optimistic attitude has been adopted by the strikers and the consensus of opinion is that settlement is close.

However, no statements on the progress of negotiations in Cincinnati have been issued. The negotiating teams are meeting daily, discussing the terms of the master contract. Local contracts will be considered once settlement is reached on the master contract.

UniRoyal is continuing to ship from its warehouse with no objection from the union as long as the company ships only goods made prior to the strike and does not attempt production in the local plants.

The three borough Locals of the United Rubber Workers began issuing benefit checks to its membership for the third week today and will continue through tomorrow working on the same schedule it used for the past two weeks.

Many strikers families are becoming anxious with school graduations just a month away. The financial pinch of 33 days without full pay will cause curtailment of planned celebrations.

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

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

6-1-67

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

Uniroyal Bargaining Units Fail To Meet

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Uniroyal Bargaining Units Fail To Meet

6-1-67

Uniroyal Bargaining Units Fail To Meet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strike Negotiations Resume Today In Ohio

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Strike Negotiations Resume Today In Ohio

Strike Negotiations Resume Today In Ohio

6-1-67 [handwritten]

The negotiating session between UniRoyal and the United Rubber Workers, scheduled for yesterday afternoon at 2 p.m., was canceled. No reason for the cancelation was given.

However, a meeting set for 10 a.m. today was expected to be held in Cincinnati.

The sessions had been recessed last Friday for the long holiday weekend and were scheduled to resume yesterday afternoon.

Picketing is calm at all three UniRoyal plants in the borough this morning. The Synthetic Plant yesterday morning was the scene of mass picketing.

The company announced its decision to resume production on a limited scale within the plant and members of Local 308 massed at the gate in an attempt to keep out supervisory personnel.

The line opened up after policemen forced a wedge with little resistance. Four of the pickets were booked on breach of peace charges while approximately 30 fellow members of Local 308 appeared at police headquarters in sympathy. All was quiet on the line by 8 o’clock yesterday morning.

The Chemical Division of UniRoyal has been in production on a limited scale for a week now as the strike enters its 42nd day.

Production is not being conducted at the Footwear plant, although considerable shipping has been done from its warehouse on Elm St.

Officials of both Local 218 of the Chemical and Local 308 of the Synthetic, have expressed concern as to the safety of the

Please Turn to Page 10

Talks Resume Today In Uniroyal Dispute

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Talks Resume Today In Uniroyal Dispute

4-26-67 [handwritten]

NAUGATUCK — Negotiations between Uniroyal, Inc., and the United Rubber Workers will resume in Cincinnati today at 10:30 a.m.

As yet, no official word on the actual progress of the negotiations up to last Friday has been received although neither side has denied statements in the press to the effect that a major stumbling block in the negotiations is the union’s demand for a guaranteed annual wage.

Although the company announced it had offered a “substantial increase in wages and various improvements in employe benefits,” it made no comment about the guaranteed annual wage.

While negotiations continue in Ohio, the various locals continue to picket the plant’s operations. Picketing in Naugatuck remains peaceful, and it has been reported that many workers are volunteering to work on the picket lines.

Strike Benefits

Local 218 Treasurer Robert McDermott said Tuesday that members of the local, which operates in the Naugatuck Chemical division of Uniroyal, may appear at local headquarters on Curtis St. today and Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. to apply for strike benefits.

Locals 45 and 308 have not yet received the necessary material to enable its members to apply for the benefits. Mrs. Rita Ruggiero, secretary of Local 45, said that officials of the local were thinking in terms of Thursday or Friday.

Action before that time, said Mrs. Ruggiero, would be impossible because the necessary material has not come in. She anticipates a heavy amount of paperwork when the forms do arrive, as the local has approximately 4,500 members.

Footwear Payroll

Officials at the footwear plant announced Tuesday that payrolls for hourly employes of the plant will be paid on the following days:

The regular Wednesday payroll will be made today after 1 p.m. at the payroll office. The second and third shifts will be paid Thursday after 2 p.m. at the office, and the first shift will be paid Friday at the Water St. gate from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Synthetic Local Rejects UniRoyal Master Contract

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Synthetic Local Rejects UniRoyal Master Contract

Synthetic Local Rejects UniRoyal Master Contract

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questioned Decision

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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 plant 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.

Possible Discrimination

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Possible Discrimination

Rzesutek reported that a change could occur in a contract gain in sickness and accident insurance, which offers compensation for men $10 higher than for women.

“The government may step in and say, you can’t discriminate,” Rzesutek warned. The insurance benefit was raised $10 each bring the men’s to $70 and the women’s to $60.

Another union gain was a $1,000 raise in life insurance, it was reported.

The company apparently held its ground in the negotiations by retaining a “non-duplication” clause in regards to benefits for both a husband and wife working at Uniroyal. Rzesutek told the membership that he was disappointed the clause was not erased in negotiations, when one of the- female workers complained of the non-duplication policy.

Local 308 will meet at 7 this evening at the Portuguese Hall, Rubber Ave., as the last of three divisions to vote on the three-year master contract.

If ratified, the contract is to take effect Aug. 1, but benefits would not be forthcoming until after mid-September when the supplemental agreements are to be signed by the locals.

Kentucky also is known as the Blue Grass State.

Two Locals

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Two Locals

Continued From Page 1

more are needed to operate
additional production lines.

Strike benefit checks will be
issued as follows: Local 45,
tomorrow and Wednesday, 9
a.m. to 3 p.m.; Local 218,
Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Local 308, tomorrow 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m.

The longest strike in the his-
tory of the rubber industry has
ended with a new three-year
contract, providing a 43 per
cent per hour wage increase
over the three year period.

Other gains for union em-
ployees are an 80 per cent
guaranteed annual wage and a
company-paid surgical plan.

Additional specifics of the
contract will be announced when
all three locals have noted to
ratify.

Local 45 President George
Froehlich told his union mem-
bership that “A” good contract”
had been obtained and that many
gains by the union would prove
“fruitful in the future.”

UniRoyal officials reported
that their settlements with the
union were similar to settle-
ments reached by the other
major rubber industries.

When ratified, the master
contract will be effective as of
August 1. However, benefits
of the new contract will not be
realized until after mid-Sep-
tember when supplemental con-
tracts are signed by the locals.

Protests, Arrests Marked Strike

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Protests, Arrests Marked Strike

The 98 days of the strike by the United Rubber Workers Locals 45, 308 and 218 against the Naugatuck Uniroyal plant were marked by rioting, arrests and court injunctions, as well as lengthy negotiations during much of the period.

Accord was reached last night to end the strike.

The union is set to ratify the agreement Saturday.

The strike was called on April 21 and affected 5,500 workers at the footwear, synthetics and chemical divisions of Uniroyal in Naugatuck and Beacon Falls.

The strike was third in eight years at the Naugatuck plant. In 1959 the walkout stopped production for three weeks, and in 1965 a strike lasted three days. The ’67 strike was the longest in rubber – industry history.

Nationally, the strike involved more than 50,000 persons and was the most widespread since 1959.

Early in May, 80 pickets were arrested for demonstrations against non – bargaining personnel attempting to enter the plant.

Uniroyal won an injunction that prevented the pickets from interfering with personnel or stopping trucks entering or leaving the gates at the three local plants.

About six weeks later, the union won an injunction restraining supervisory and other non-union employes from producing sample shoes during the strike.

All three locals at Naugatuck were involved in the strike. Local 45 represents 4,500 workers in Uniroyal’s footwear division; Local 218 represents 725 workers in the chemical plant, and Local 308 represents 240 workers in the synthetic plant.

Uniroyal was the last of the “Big Five” companies in the rubber industry to reach agreement with the rubber workers.

Uniroyal Strike Talks To Resume

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Uniroyal

Strike Talks

To Resume

NAUGATUCK — Talks on a master contract between the United Rubber Workers and Uniroyal are scheduled to resume today. There were no talks between company and union negotiators Monday.

In Detroit, striking Uniroyal workers, discouraged by the lack of progress in the talks, prevented management personnel from entering the plant.

An estimated 1,300 strikers took part in a demonstration which included egg throwing. Police were at the scene, but no arrests were made, although some of the policemen were reportedly hit by the eggs.

Uniroyal management in the borough is scheduled to appear in court today in Waterbury to show cause why an injunction against the Naugatuck plants should not be issued.

Handwritten notation in top right corner: 6-27-67

Strikers Give

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Strikers Give

Strikers Give

3-31 [handwritten]

Continued From Page 1

and life insurance and may contact headquarters if they have questions.

A vote of confidence was requested and received for the union officials from the members present.

Froehlich’s speech spelled out the fact that the union would negotiate until its terms are reached, but Froehlich mentioned no specific arguments or stumbling blocks that are keeping the footwear plants idle. He neglected to estimate how much longer the strike would last, but by indications from the Union and company alike, Naugatuck and its counterparts will remain strike victims for a while to come.