Local 45

Rubber Strike Negotiations Continue In Ohio Cities

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Rubber Strike

6-6-67

Negotiations Continue In Ohio Cities

Negotiators representing the United Rubber Workers Union and UniRoyal met yesterday in Cincinnati for the first time since the Memorial Day recess. Reliable sources report the meeting lasted until well after 10 o’clock last night.

Although federal mediators are in Cincinnati it has been said that they are not present at the negotiating table. Another meeting has been scheduled for this morning.

Although picketing remains quiet in the borough, nerves are on edge and rumors of impending riots are being spread throughout the borough. Locals 45, 218 and 308 are continuing to distribute weekly union benefit checks today. The strike, now in its 45th day, is taking its financial toll in the borough.

Third Ward Republican Burgess Edward McGrath announced last night that he plans to ask the Borough Board at its meeting tonight to “bring Gov. John Dempsey into the picture.”

“It’s high time the Governor took action,” he said, adding

Please Turn to Page 10

Governor’s Aid Urged In Uniroyal Dispute

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Governor's Aid Urged In Uniroyal Dispute

Governor’s Aid Urged In Uniroyal Dispute

6-6-67 [handwritten]

NAUGATUCK — The Board of Mayor and Burgesses may take action today to seek Gov. John Dempsey’s aid in settling the master contract negotiations between Uniroyal and the United Rubber Workers.

Third Ward Republican Burgess Edward McGrath said Monday night he plans to make a motion during tonight’s borough board meeting to “bring the governor into the picture ”

“It’s high time the governor took action,” said McGrath, adding that “the economy of the whole valley is affected by the strike.”

An attempt to reach Governor Dempsey for a comment Monday night failed.

Although the governor cannot take coercive action, McGrath felt that persuasion from the highest office in the state might have some effect in bringing about a settlement in the six-week-old strike.

“This is too important a situation to just sit back,” said the burgess. To date, he added, no one has taken any official action to help bring about a settlement.

If Goverior Dempsey and his advisors cannot weild the necessary influence, McGrath said he would consider seeking federal action, possibly through President Johnson.

Although Uniroyal’s negotiations are on a national scale, noted McGrath, the immediate situation is local, and warrants the governor’s attention.

Negotiators for Uniroyal and the URW met face to face Monday for the first time since May 26. Following a Memorial Day weekend recess, the groups did not convene as scheduled last Wednesday.

It was claimed that the meetings did not take place at that time because both groups “had some things to discuss.”

Management negotiators contacted Monday night said that both groups met during the day, but declined to state whether any signs of progress could be seen. They are scheduled to meet again this morning.

Although federal mediators are present in Cincinnati, where the negotiations are taking place, it has been reported that they are not at the negotiating table.

Letters to the Editor

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Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

29 George St.,
Naugatuck, Conn.

Editor
Naugatuck Daily News.
Dear Sir

After reading the article concerning the beginning of operations at the Naugatuck Chemical by inexperienced personnel, I could not remain silent and would like to ask only one question of the management’s decision.

Have you such a poor memory that you already forgot, not only the many explosions, but in a few of those the deaths of some individuals, right there at the Naugatuck Chemical, And they were men experienced at their jobs. Although I am a member of Local 45 URW, I am speaking also as former resident, of almost 20 years on Ward Street, still am a resident of Naugatuck and last a very wor-

wrestle rou~~
total gross receipts of the car-
nival at Fireman’s Field.

6-7-67

ried citizen.

If anything happens at the Naugatuck Chemical, God have mercy on us.

Thank you,
Mrs. Caroline Pereira

PRESIDENT JOHNSON plans to get out and “meet the people” before the November elections. He met a big majority in ’64, but somebody told him times change.

! ! !

LBJ wants to get around a bit to support Democratic candidates. Mending offenses, you might call it.

! ! !

It’s an off-year election, so the Republicans figure to gain. If they’ll just stop hanging separately.

! ! !

When the President schedules a speech, it’s a major address. At least till after election.

60-Cent-An-Hour

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60-Cent-An-Hour 6-7-67

Continued From Page 1

ing made.

Contention most likely will develop over the companies’ continued plan for pay boost differentials between tire and non-tire employes. This is what George Froehlich, president of Local 45, explained at the meeting he held for the Local’s membership in the borough.

The length of the contract and the guaranteed annual wage provisions will also probably be a stumbling block. A pay boost differential has been contained in each of the last three wage contracts, though the margin was narrowed in the 1965 agreement. Bommarito has labeled the differentials as discriminatory.

The proposals have activated the negotiation sessions which had grown stale. Membership of the three borough Locals were becoming depressed and fortifying themselves for a long drawn-out strike when no apparent progress was reported.

Union members have been collecting a $25 a week check; however, the amount is scheduled to be decreased to $15 per week as the union treasury is being drained with the seven week strike involving some 55,000 members.

Union, Uniroyal Talks Continuing In Cincinnati

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rbury American, Tuesday, April 18, 1967

Naugatuck

4-18-67

Union, Uniroyal Talks Continuing In Cincinnati

NAUGATUCK—Less than three days remain before the contract between the United Rubber Workers of America and Uniroyal, Inc., expires at midnight Thursday.

After that date the union may

Naugatuck Valley

call a general strike against the company’s various plants throughout the country, including the local Footwear Plant, the Naugatuck Chemical Co. division, and the Synthetic Rubber Plant.

Company and union negotiators are in their sixth week of talks in Cincinnati, Ohio, and as the deadline approaches the talks are being intensified in an effort to ward off a strike. It was learned that negotiations had recessed last Thursday and resumed Saturday.

Raymond Mengacci, vice president of Local 45, Footwear Plant, declined to comment on progress of the talks, but said a call had been received from Local 45 Pres. George Froehlich Monday from Ohio, reporting that the negotiations are still in process.

An agreement had been made between the company and union negotiators that no information about the talks will be released before the talks end.

Several weeks ago union employees of the Chemical Division, the Synthetic Plant and last week the Footwear Plant, representing approximately 6,000 workers in the three locals, took an affirmative strike vote, authorizing the International Policy Committee to call a strike if the talks are stalemated.

However, if progress is being made by the negotiators when the contract expires, the contract may be extended in the hope that an agreement can be reached without a strike.

One of the issues being discussed, it was learned besides additional benefits, is a guaranteed annual income for all employes of the nation’s big rubber companies.

Uniroyal, Union Talks; No Agreement As Yet

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Uniroyal, Union Talk; No Agreement As Yet

4-19-67

NAUGATUCK—With only two days remaining before the contract between the United Rubber Workers of America and Uniroyal, Inc. expires, the possibility of a general strike against the company’s various plants, including the three local operations, increases. The present contract expires at midnight Thursday.

Company and union negotiators are in their sixth week of talks in Cincinnati, Ohio, and as the deadline approaches the talks are being intensified in an effort to ward off a strike. It was learned that negotiations had recessed last Thursday and resumed Saturday.

Raymond Mengacci, vice president of Local 45, Footwear Plant, declined to comment on progress of the talks, but said a call had been received from Local 45 Pres. George Froehlich Monday from Ohio, reporting that the negotiations are still in process.

An agreement had been made between the company and union negotiators that no information about the talks will be released before the talks end.

Several weeks ago union employes of the Chemical Division, the Synthetic Plant and last week the Footwear Plant, representing approximately 6,000 workers in the three locals, took an affirmative strike vote, authorizing the International Policy Committee to call a strike if the talks are stalemated.

However, if progress is being made by the negotiators when the contract expires, the con-

tract may be extended in the hope that an agreement can be reached without a strike.

One of the issues being discussed, it was learned besides additional benefits, is a guaranteed annual income for all employes of the nation’s big rubber companies.

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.

Uniroyal, Union Still Negotiating As Midnight Strike Deadline Nears

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4-20-67

Uniroyal, Union Still Negotiating As Midnight Strike Deadline Nears

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chance Of Rubber Industry, Union Accord Before Monday Dim

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Contrasting Attitudes

PICKETS at the Maple St. gate of the Footwear Division, Uniroyal, Inc., in Naugatuck, do their duty early today as a borough street sweeper does his, apparently unconcerned as to what happens on the sidewalk behind him.—Coviello Photo.

Chance Of Rubber Industry, Union Accord Before Monday Dim

NAUGATUCK— Representatives of the United Rubber Workers Union met in Cincinnati, Ohio, at 10 a.m. today, and the possibility grew stronger that there will be no further talks with representatives of Uniroyal, Inc. until Monday morning.

This will extend the walkout of some 5,000 members of the three local unions over the weekend. The strike began shortly after midnight today, when talks failed in Cincinnati

Pickets were set up at the Maple St. gate and warehouse office entrances by Local 45 at the Footwear Plant and at one gate each at the Chemical Division and Synthetic Plants.

Picketing was peaceful this morning and all three locals were permitting management personnel to pass through the lines.

Throughout the early morning hours today, pickets were also peaceful as third shift personnel manned their posts in 40-degree temperature. Teams are scheduled to picket in two-hour shifts.

Labor and management representatives from the giant URW and four major rubber producers have been negotiating terms for a new two-year master contract for one month.

Although it was not known what obstacles prevented a settlement by midnight Thursday, three of the four major producers, B. F. Goodrich, Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. and Uniroyal, were struck at midnight or shortly after.

In negotiations with Goodyear in Cincinnati, the union agreed to continue negotiating on a day-to-day basis, with the first session scheduled for 10 a.m. this morning.

Across the nation some 75,000 workers are affected by the negotiations, with approximately 21,000 employed by Uniroyal

As the contract deadline drew near Thursday night, a call from the local presidents in Cincinnati asked the locals—45, 218 and 308—to hold strike action for one-half-hour to permit management to present its final proposal

Handwritten note (top right corner): 4-2-67

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.

Naugatuck Rubber Strike Idles 5,000

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4-21-67

Naugatuck Rubber Strike Idles 5,000

By PATRICK KEATING
Register Staff Reporter

NAUGATUCK —A strike, the second in the past two years against Uni-Royal by the United Rubber Workers, AFL-CIO, has closed the company’s three local divisions and idled some 5,000 workers today.

The decision to strike the entire Uni-Royal operation was made early this morning after contract talks between management and the URW’s International Policy Committee broke down when the midnight deadline passed. The old contract between the company and union expired at midnight.

The URW, in addition to striking Uni-Royal, hit two others of the big four of the rubber industry as workers at Firestone and Goodrich were called out. Good year, the other member, is presently negotiating with the union on a day-to-day basis.

Although Goodrich is being struck, the Shelton and Derby plants of the Goodrich Sponge Products Division were not affected by the strike since neither plant is unionized.

It is estimated that over 50,000 union workers are on strike nation-wide. Of this total, Uni-Royal employs 22,000; Firestone, 18,000 and Goodrich, 11,000.

At Chicopee Falls, Mass., 1,600 UniRoyal employes went on strike, led by 500 third shift workers who walked off their jobs. Union spokesmen said pickets would be set up this morning.

At Woonsocket, R. I., 800 UniRoyal employes went on strike and picket lines were established.

Another 700 employes struck the Uni-Royal plant in Providence, R. I., and set up pickets.

At Fall River, Mass., union leaders called a strike by 650 employes of Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., and pickets were established.

All 800 employes at the Goodyear plant in Windsor, Vt., were reported on the job today. A company official said they would work on a day-to-day basis while negotiations continued.

Representatives of the three locals involved —Local 45, Footwear Division; Local 208, Synthetic and Local 218, Ch emical —are partipitating in the contract negotiations that have been in progress this past month at Cincinnati, Ohio. Talks are expected to resume today.

Immediately after word was received about the breakdown in talks, preparations were made for establishment of picket lines at the three local plants. Shortly before 1 a.m., the pickets were marching.

Magnagement personnel were permitted this morning to cross the picket lines and assume their duties. No incidents were reported as a pre-strike agreement had been reached concerning the admittance to plants of supervisors, foremen and office employers.

It is not known at this time whether the company will adopt a policy of having supervisory personnel “live in” at the chemical plant. Several years ago when the plant was struck, this procedure was followed and the operation continued with this skeleton crew.

Workers who reported Thursday at 11 p.m. for the regular last shift at the three divisions, walked off the job when notified that the strike was in progress.

Union officials reported that it was an orderly walk-off since the locals and the company had agreed on plans for closing down the operation.

The pickets have been instructed to stop all trucks entering and leaving the plants that might be transporting company products. However, the company will not be affected by such a stoppage as merchandise for customers had been shipped by rail and truck in excessive amount during the past two weeks.

The strike does not come as a surprise to most union members here. They had been alerted to such a possibility for the past week as news out of Cincinnati indicated that the negotiators were not making any headway.

“However, there was a faint hope expressed late Thursday that an extension of the talks might be granted.

Two years ago, the walkout carried through three working days. Another strike eight years ago crippled production for three weeks.

Information that has filtered through from Cincinnati indicates that the company has turned back the first proposals for wage increases, reportedly around 20 cents an hour for pro-

See STRIKE Page 2

‘There’s A

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

Uniroyal Talks Due Wednesday

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Uniroyal Talks Due Wednesday

4-24-67 [handwritten date at top]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rubber Strike Negotiations Resume Today

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Rubber Strike

Negotiations Resume Today

4-26-67

For the first time since the United Rubber Workers called its members out on strike shortly after midnight Thursday, negotiations for UniRoyal, Inc., and URW officials will resume talks today in Cincinnati.

While negotiations are conducted in Ohio, peaceful picketing continues in the borough. Capt. Joesph Summa of the local police department is maintaining his special force of policemen at the gates. Due to the orderly picketing, only one officer is assigned to each gate where pickets are stationed.

No official word has been released on the progress of the negotiations. However, it is felt that the major source of disagreement is the union’s demand for a guaranteed annual wage. UniRoyal announced Friday that “a substantial increase in wages and various improvements in employe benefits” offer had been made.

Members of Local 218 of the Naugatuck Chemical may apply at Local headquarters on Curtiss St. today and tomorrow from 1 to 4 p.m. for strike benefits, according to the Local treasurer, Robert McDermott.

Locals 45 and 308 are waiting for the necessary forms to enable its members to apply for benefits. Mrs. Rita Ruggiero, secretary of Local 45, said that they expected them tomorrow or Friday. Local 45, the largest of the three borough Locals, has a membership of 4,500.

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

by

UniRoyal Strike Negotiations Continuing

5-1-67

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

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

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

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

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

Picket Line Activity

by

5-3-67

Picket Line Activity

POLICEMAN ATTEMPTS to hold back Local 45 pickets at the Uniroyal Footwear Division plant as office personnel tried to gain entrance to the building on Maple St. in Naugatuck. Friction developed on the picket line as the union, which had been allowing office help to go into work, changed its mind.—King Photo.

What would take place Thursday morning, when office workers are again to attempt to report to work.

by

what would take place Thursday
morning, when office workers
are again to attempt to report to
work.

Mayor Joseph C. Raytkwich
reported at mid-morning that
“all the excitement is over, at
least for today.”

He said that union Interna-
tional Field Rep. William Fer-
nandez, Jr., and Local 45 Vice-
Pres. Raymond Mengacci were

Added Police

by

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

UNUSUALLY HEAVY pedestrian traffic was noted this morning at the Maple St. gate of Uniroyal in Naugatuck as Local 45 members — on strike now for over two weeks — suddenly decided not to allow office help into the building. Naugatuck’s new Town Hall can be seen in background.—King Photo.

by

UNUSUALLY HEAVY pedestrian traffic was noted this morning at the Maple St. gate of Uniroyal in Naugatuck as Local 45 members — on strike now for over two weeks — suddenly decided not to allow office help into the building. Naugatuck’s new Town Hall can be seen in background.—King Photo.

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER, Naugatuck policemen and Local 45 Footwear Union members at the Maple St. gate each tried to go their way. The police had attempted to get office help into the plant. The union attempted to prevent it. Company officials sent the office help home to

Minor Scuffling At Struck UniRoyal Plants

by

Minor Scuffling At Struck UniRoyal Plants

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

By RUTH NICHOLS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

43 Arrests

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43 Arrests

The following 43 persons were arrested by local police in today’s scuffle at the Maple St. entrance to UniRoyal’s Footwear Division.

Charles Butler, 49, Mulberry St., charged with interfering with police; all others are charged with breach of peace.

Walter M. Scott, 36, 230 Pembroke Ave., Francisco DaSilva, 47, 20 Tolles Sq.; Henry Hook, 37, 167 West Church St., Seymour; Donald Miles, 33, 84 Grand St., Seymour; John Sharkey, 37, 17 Martha St., Seymour; Cyrus Blanchard, vice-president of Local 218; Franklin Mazoroski, 39, 63 Lester Dr.; Michael Kalinoski, 49, 39 Fairchild St.

Austin C. Cross, 46, 18 Lynn Cir.; Hugh Garahan, 29, 21 Elmwood St.; John Cartello, 37, 19 Baldwin St.; Joseph Kaczkowski, 57, 106 Morris St.; Lee Mattocks, 37, 18 Winchester St., Waterbury; Harold Soucie, 40, 376 North Main St.; Clifford Owens, 57, Wooster St.

Alexander Zdonick, 41, 57 Johnson St.; Harry Chofey, 42, 13 Surrey Dr.; John M. DelGrosso, 41, 66 Greenwood St.; Carl Ostrom, 32, 928 New Haven Rd.; Joseph Faroni, 59, 39 Florence St.; Raymond Mengacci, vice-president Local 45; Albert Gomez, 38, 40 Cherry

Please Turn to Page 10

Uniroyal Warehouse In Bristol Picketed

by

Waterbury Republican, Thursday, May 4, 1967—45

Uniroyal Warehouse In Bristol Picketed

BRISTOL—Pickets appeared in front of the Uniroyal Inc. warehouse on Center St. Wednesday just after midnight when it was learned that management was going to try to ship from the local warehouse.

The pickets represent Local 45, United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum and Plastic Workers of

Bristol

America, who have been on strike since midnight April 20 against Uniroyal Inc.

Three pickets took up their posts in front of the warehouse about midnight and by the time mid-morning rolled around, there were 11. Early in the afternoon there were six.

Four members of management were in the office this morning. When they arrived no one knows and Bill Clisham, manager of the local warehouse, declined to say. Sitting it out with Clisham were Richard Quatrano, assistant superintendent of the fabric shoe mill, Naugatuck; Francis Schildgen and Charles Lodge, foremen at the Naugatuck footwear division. Clisham would not disclose how much stock in the warehouse was ready for shipment.

The pickets were firm about not letting any more members of management into the warehouse. They will however, allow those already inside to leave. They have to keep their hands in their pockets, they said, but that doesn’t keep them from lining up shoulder to shoulder to form a solid line or keep them from using their feet.

According to one of the men, the union had agreed not to picket this warehouse or the one in Beacon Falls, but when they heard that management intended to break the freeze on shipments, they felt justified in picketing the Bristol facility.

According to reports Wednesday night, picketing had ceased around 9:30.

BRISTOL WAREHOUSE of Uniroyal Inc. was picketed Wednesday by members of the United Rubber Workers Union, which struck the firm April 20. Reports of a possible shipment from the building prompted the picketing. — Rosenberg Photo.

[Visible on picket signs in photo: “UNITED RUBBER WORKERS ON STRIKE”]

Mass Arrests In Borough

by

Mass Arrests In Borough

NAUGATUCK POLICE this morning cracked down on striking Local 45 members picketing Uniroyal, arresting 43 on charges of breach of peace when the union members refused to allow non-union office help into the building. Top photo shows policemen leading two of those arrested away from the Maple St. gate. Bottom photo shows parade of police, each with man to be booked, crossing blocked-off Maple St. from the plant gate, off to left, to conveniently-located Police Headquarters, off to right.—King Photos.

[Handwritten notation in margin: 5-4-67]

At 7:45 a.m., when workers for the 8 o’clock shift began to arrive, a second outbreak flared up, but was quickly squelched by police.

by

At 7:45 a.m., when workers
for the 8 o’clock shift began to
arrive, a second outbreak flared
up, but was quickly squelched
by police.

Those arrested during the sec-
ond outbreak did not resist
being taken to the police station,
as the first group had.

Two union vice presidents
were among the 43 arrested.
Raymond Mengacci, 47, 37 Fair-
child St., of Local 45, and Cyrus
J. Blanchard, 46 Hill Rd., of Lo-
cal 218 at the Chemical Plant
were arrested along with Clif-
ford Owens, 57, Wooster St., a
former Local 45 president, and
Fire Comsr. Jose Pinho, 37, 129
Aetna St.

Mengacci would not comment
on the arrests, but did say that
the union members “would com-
ply with the law. . .if an injunc-
tion is served on us.”

Rumored Injunction

As to what would happen Fri-
day, when office workers and
supervisory personnel are to re-
turn to work again, Mengacci
said, “We haven’t got the slight-
est idea. We have been con-
ferring with our attorneys, and
we expect to play it by ear as
we go along. We have heard
that we will be served with an
injunction, but have not re-
ceived any word to date.”

A public relations agent from
the New York office, Frederick
Chapman, said today that no
word had been received on the
possibility of an injunction.

Chapman said that if the pick-
ets continued to prevent super-
visory personnel from entering
the offices, a restraining order
would definitely be sought.

The public relations agent cit-
ed an agreement between union
and management groups prior
to the strike, which stated that
supervisory personnel would be
admitted to the plant during the
course of a strike.

To get a restraint order, said
Chapman,, it would have to be
proved that pickets were pre-
venting supervisory personnel
from entering the offices.

Asked why white collar workers had attempted to enter the plant Tuesday night, Chapman answered that they had been instructed to get out shipments to critical customers.

by

Asked why white collar workers had attempted to enter the plant Tuesday night, Chapman answered that they had been instructed to get out shipments to critical customers.

He added that management had asked Local 45 for four men to help get the shipments out; the local turned down the request, he said, and some of the supervisory personnel was then sent in to get the shipments out.

A statement concerning the negotiations in Cincinnati, circu-

50 Arrested In Uniroyal Strike

by

50 Arrested In Uniroyal Strike

5-4-67 [handwritten]

By PATRICK KEATING
and
JAMES FLEMING
Register Staff Reporters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See UNIROYAL Page 2

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

Reds At Marines

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

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

Strong Cor Would Cu

By WILLIAM E. KEISH JR.
Register Staff Reporter

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

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

Strike Benefits To Begin Today

by

Strike Benefits To Begin Today

NAUGATUCK—United Rubber Workers, Locals 45, 218 and 308, will disburse strike benefit checks Tuesday and Wednesday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Members of each local are asked to report to their respective local headquarters to receive the benefit checks. Those members who have either performed or made themselves available for strike duty are eligible for the checks.

Local 45, Footwear plant, will disburse benefit checks according to employe clock numbers as follows: Tuesday 9 a.m., clock numbers 1 to 3,000; Tuesday noon, numbers 3,001 to 7,000; Wednesday 9 a.m., 7,001 to 11,000; Wednesday noon, numbers 11,001 to 15,999.

[Handwritten notation in top right corner appears to read: “12-5-5” or similar]

Arrest 21 Pickets

by

Arrest 21 Pickets

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

A potentially explosive situation between management and members of striking unions against UniRoyal was averted this morning as pickets allowed male management and office workers to pass through the lines into the Maple St. entrance to the Footwear Division.

The situation was not relieved however, before 21 more pickets, mostly all members of Local 45, URW, were arrested on charges of breach of the peace. They were cited at about 7 a.m. when a group of management personnel attempted to cross the lines.

A large group of office and management workers were later booed by strikers as they filed quietly into the gate on the south side of Maple St.

Raymond Mengacci, vice-president of Local 45, explained the situation to the strikers over a police department bullhorn.

He said the local police would be augmented by State Police if any violence ensued on the picket lines. He said State Police would have in their possession “riot guns and tear gas.”

Mengacci said he would leave the decision of what the strikers would do when management personnel came down Maple St. from The Green up to them. He explained, however, that any violence would lead to the participation of State Police.

Mengacci told the large crowd that he was due in court in Waterbury at 2 p.m. today to appear at proceedings in which UniRoyal is seeking an injunction regarding the amount of picketing.

Mengacci said the company wants to limit picketing to five persons per gate.

“If the company wins that match,” he told the crowd surrounding him on Maple St., “there’s nothing we can do.”

Some of his remarks were met with jeers from strikers who wanted to continue fighting management and keep them from entering the firm.

RAYMOND MENGACCI, vice-president of Local 45, URW, on strike against UniRoyal, Inc., explains today’s tense situation to pickets at the Maple St. entrance to the company over a Police Department bull-horn. Mengacci said local police would be aided by State Police “with riot guns and tear gas” if there is any violence as management and office workers file into the factory grounds. —(News photo by Jensen)

Strike Benefit Checks Given Tuesday, Weds

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Strike Benefit Checks Given Tuesday, Weds

United Rubber Workers local unions, Local No. 45, Naugatuck Footwear, Local No. 218, Naugatuck Chemical, and Local No. 308, Naugatuck Synthetic, will disperse strike benefit checks commencing Tuesday and Wednesday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Members of each respective local should report to their own local union headquarters for strike benefit checks.

Those members who have performed or made themselves available for strike duty will be eligible for strike benefit checks.

Local No. 45, Naugatuck Footwear, will disperse benefit checks according to employee’s clock numbers as follows: Tuesday, 9 o’clock numbers 1 to 3,000; Tuesday, 12 noon, No. 3001 to No. 7000; Wednesday, 9a.m., No. 7,001 to No. 11,000; and Wednesday, 12 noon, No. 11,001 to No. 15,999.

HOLDING THEIR hands up for silence, aids of Raymond Mengacci, with bull-horn, vice-president of Local 45, URW, stand beside their leader as he explains the strike situation to pickets.

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HOLDING THEIR hands up for silence, aids of Raymond Mengacci, with bull-horn, vice-president of Local 45, URW, stand beside their leader as he explains the strike situation to pickets.

CY BLANCHARD, vice-president of Local 218 talked to his men who were assisting on the picket lines on Maple St. this morning while Ray Mengacci, vice-president of Local 45, stands by.

Handwritten notation in margin: 5-5-67

UNIROYAL

by

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.

Also taken to St. Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury, was Martha Jones, 40, 26 Sparks St., Waterbury, for treatment of a cut knee, she said she received during the pushing and shoving in front of the gate. Both are members of Local 45.

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Also taken to St. Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury, was Martha Jones, 40, 26 Sparks St., Waterbury, for treatment of a cut knee, she said she received during the pushing and shoving in front of the gate. Both are members of Local 45.

Another 150 supervisory personnel showed up for the 8 a. m. shift and were told by Capt. Summa to congregate on The Green on Church St. to await further instructions. In the interim, Mengacci, and Cy Blanchard, who is Local 218 vice president, met with Police Chief Frank J. Mariano and Police Comsrs. Henry S. Marlor, William E. Simmons and Paul Anderson to work out an agreement to let the supervisory employes into the plant.

Mengacci, addressing the pickets over a bullhorn, asked if they would allow all male supervisory personnel to enter the plant without incident.

His question was at first answered with a resounding “No.” However, the pickets were persuaded to comply with the agreement.

The men lined up, but about 50 women in the group departed for home on orders of Capt. Summa.

“It was a concession on our part.” William Fernandez, Jr., International representative for the union, said. “It was our last concession and I have told the Police Department there will be no more concessions,” Mengacci added.

“We’re not taking another backward step,” he said.

The entire regular force of 33

(Cont’d on Page 4—PICKETS)

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

by

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

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

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

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

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

Riot Act Read

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

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

Police Brutality

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

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

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

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

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

For Second Day At Uniroyal Plant

by

For Second Day At Uniroyal Plant

5-5-67

Violence, which began Thursday at the strikebound Naugatuck footwear plant of Uniroyal, continued today as 21 arrests were made. At left, Raymond Mengacci, vice president of Local 45, United Rubber Workers, with bullhorn urges striking employes to allow male office workers through the plant gates this morning. At right, office workers begin marching toward the company gates after waiting on the Naugatuck Green while company and union officials conferred about allowing them to enter. Some 25 policemen rushed between them and the strikers to prevent fighting. (Story on Page 1).

Strike Subject Of Meeting In Mayor’s Office

by

5-6-67

Strike Subject Of Meeting In Mayor’s Office

A “round robin discussion” behind the closed doors of the office of Mayor Joseph C. Raytkwich took place last night in the Town Hall between the Mayor, members of the Police Commission and representatives of the United Rubber Workers Union.

No statements were issued by any of the parties regarding items discussed, but it was apparent the current UniRoyal strike was the topic.

Present at the meeting were Mayor Raytkwich, Police Chief Frank Mariano, Police Commissioners Henry Marlor and William Simmons and union representatives.

It was reported that Raymond Mengacci, vice-president of Local 45 and top union man in the borough for the Local since its president, George Froehlich, is attending negotiation sessions in Ohio, did not attend the meeting.

The Mayor’s only comment following the meeting was that the group held “a round robin discussion.”

Judge Warns Union On “Interference, Violence” Here

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Judge Warns Union On “Interference, Violence” Here

5-6-67 [handwritten]

WATERBURY – A warning to refrain from any violence and interference with the operations of UniRoyal’s Footwear Division was given yesterday to the United Rubber Workers (URW) Union by Superior Court Judge Leo V. Gaffney.

The court issued an order to show cause why a temporary injunction should not be issued in favor of the rubber firm. Judge Gaffney gave the union until 11 a.m. Tuesday to prepare its case.

“In the event of interference with the plaintiff’s operations at its plants in Naugatuck,” Judge Gaffney said,” or any acts of violence between now and the time the court rules on the company’s motion, upon show of facts, a restraining order will be issued forthwith.”

Atty. Daniel Baker, counsel for the URW, asked if this included “peaceful picketing.”

Judge Gaffney said it did not in any way restrict peaceful picketing.

But he admonished all those present to look up the definition of “peaceful picketing.”

Atty. Edgar Bassick represented UniRoyal in the proceedings.

Raymond Mengacci, vice-president of Local 45, was present with other union officials. Four or five UniRoyal executives attending the brief proceedings, led by John Smith, factory manager.

Set for 2 p.m., the court was not called to order until some

Conferences between attorneys and their respective clients and conferences between the attorneys and Judge Gaffney took up considerable time until the brief proceedings got underway.

In effect, the Judge gave union attorneys until Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock to prepare a case against the granting of UniRoyal’s injunction request.

His remarks about “peaceful picketing” and mention of “violence” in regard to the quick issuance of a restraining order

brought to mind to those present the more than 60 arrests and scuffling that has gone on in the past three days at the Footwear Division in the borough.

UniRoyal attorneys sought the injunction on the grounds that union members have “engaged in mass picketing…intercepted and blocked persons who approached the plant and plant premises by foot or by vehicle, pushing and shoving such persons, kicking them, stepping on their feet, calling them names in loud and menacing manners.”

The strikers “have congregated in large and unruly masses in attempts to block entrance to or exit from the plant by threat of force or violence” and have “obstructed the police in the performance of their duties and made the employment of force and large numbers of police officers necessary, resulting in breaches of the peace and creating an atmosphere of fear and tension.”

By reason of such “unlawful acts and threats” the company claims it “has been and will continue to be unable to perform functions vital to its operations and will continue to be unable to handle contracts with its customers, among which is the Defense Department of the United States Government for items needed in national defense.”

The rubber firm wanted the

Train Tragedy Narrowly Averted

A number of pickets and police at a gate of UniRoyal, Inc., on Elm St. narrowly missed being struck by a train backing into the firm’s warehouse yesterday afternoon.

Policemen came close to being hit by the train, apparently operated by supervisory personnel of the New Haven Railroad.

A number of pickets blocking the tracks of the railroad apparently thought the train was going to stop when the end boxcar reached the picket line. Police on duty also apparently were of the opinion the train would stop.

As the train drew close to the pickets, police moved in to move them aside and allow the train to pass. Some of them with their backs to the moving train narrowly missed being hit, as well as pickets.

At least one person was slightly injured in the incident.

than 60 persons arrested.

Pickets of Local 45, URW, had been notified of the attempt by UniRoyal to get some boxcars into the warehouse.

At about 1 o’clock, when the incident occurred yesterday, only a handful of pickets were at the warehouse. A call quickly went to union headquarters and the number of pickets increased considerably.

As soon as it was evident to the pickets the train was moving toward the warehouse, they began milling in front of the gate. Police had arrived at the scene only minutes before.

When the train went through the gate without regard for the men standing around it, police and pickets alike were astounded.

Everyone standing near the scene was visibly shaken by the incident. Some pickets said the train went by at an alarming

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Calm Returns to Uniroyal After Warning by Judge

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Calm Returns to Uniroyal After Warning by Judge

3-6-67 [handwritten notation at top]

Calm returned today to Naugatuck’s Uniroyal plant after a Superior Court judge said yesterday he would not allow violence to continue.

Judge Leo V. Gaffney told leaders of the striking United Rubber Workers in Waterbury that he would issue an immediate order prohibiting mass picketing if rioting recurred.

In picket-line violence Thursday and Friday 64 strikers were arrested.

Hearing Tuesday

Judge Gaffney ordered union leaders to attend a show-cause hearing at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Waterbury. They were directed to show cause why an injunction prohibiting mass picketing should not be granted.

Such an injunction has been sought by the company.

The judge said he would not tolerate interference with office or management personnel reporting for work, or with members of the public entering or leaving the plant.

If there is “any interference” with the operating of the Uniroyal’s business or “any violence of any sort between now and Tuesday,” the judge ruled, he would issue a temporary restraining order at once.

That order, like the injunction sought Tuesday by Uniroyal, would prohibit mass picketing, “circular picketing and picketing shoulder – to – shoulder or otherwise close formation” on sidewalks and roadways near Uniroyal.

The officers of Local 45 who appeared before Judge Gaffney were Raymond Mengacci, vice president; Antoinette Zuccarelli, secretary, and Rita Ruggero, treasurer.

Picketing Reduced

Picketing today was much reduced. Each gate at the Naugatuck plant was patrolled by two to six pickets — a great contrast with the mass picketing of yesterday and the day before.

After the picket – line violence of yesterday morning, when office and supervisory personnel entered the plant, there was relative quiet until afternoon.

Then there was a scuffle at the Elm Street gate when pickets tried to prevent five railroad cars from entering the plant.

Pickets and police officers suffered minor bruises, but there were no serious injuries.

It is believed that the company will load the cars with finished goods and attempt to move them out of the plant.

Union and town officials met last night at Naugatuck Town Hall in an attempt to forestall further strike violence.

They were Mengacci; Mayor Joseph C. Raytkwich, Jr., Henry W. Marlor, chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners;

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Strike

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Strike-

Continued from Page 1

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

They agreed that there should
be no further violence.

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

Order Returns To Naugatuck Uniroyal Strike

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Order Returns To Naugatuck Uniroyal Strike

By PATRICK KEATING
Register Staff Reporter

NAUGATUCK —Peace and order, conspicuous by its absence during strike demonstrations here Thursday and Friday, which resulted in wholesale arrests, returned once more as the strike by the United Rubber Workers Union against Uniroyal enters its 17th day.

The turnabout from an explosive atmosphere is attributed by both union and management officials to the successful application by Uniroyal in the Waterbury Superior Court Friday for a restaining order against URW.

The order as granted compels Local 45 of the Footwear Division to restrict the mode of its picketing and also desist from attempts to prevent management personnel, company trucks and other public conveyances from entering and leaving the factory.

The union’s insistence that management personnel be barred along with no shipping of company products during the strike touched off the distrubances that almost reached riot proportions on Thursday and Friday.

Union officials who were individually served with restraining order proceedings Friday night agree that they must abide by the court orders.

Start Monday

Accordingly, on Monday office help and supervisory employes will be permitted to cross the picket lines without any challenges. The same policy will be in effect as to entrance the departure of any trucks that might be transporting Uniroyal merchandise.

Members of the union were instructed Friday night on these privileges granted the company as a result of the order. They also were requested to abide by the court action.

The order should eliminate hard feelings that were aroused between the strikers and members of the borough Police Department. Some pickets required hospitalization and so did some policemen reportedly injured in the scuffling.

Charges have been hurled back and forth and there was a report Friday night that a suit may be levied against the borough by the union over a supposedly act of brutality.

Contract Talks

Meanwhile, forgotten in the rash of demonstrations was the progress, or lack of it, at the conference table at Cincinnatti where a new contract is being negotiated.

The talks were recessed for the weekend and will be resumed Monday morning. A contact at Cincinnati reported that apparently no great step was taken to reach an agreement.

In Naugatuck, the strike called April 21 has shut down operations at the Footwear, Chemical and Synthetic Divisions of Uniroyal.

And for union members, it means that they are now in the third week of a strike that has already cost them two full pay checks.

Finanical Aid

Some financial assistance will be forthcoming on Tuesday and Wednesday when Locals 45, 218 and 308 will hand out special strike benefit checks to their memberships.

The crippling strike has not only hit the union members hard but is also being felt by stores, restaurants, business establishments and tradesmen that rely on factory workers for much of their revenue.

The economic pinch has also hit the borough in an unusual way since its meter receipts have been greatly affected. Employes of the Footwear Division while at work use the all-day meters, costing 25 cents for an eight-hour period.

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Uniroyal Pickets Quiet As Workers Cross Lines

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5-8-67 BEACON FALLS

Uniroyal Pickets Quiet As Workers Cross Lines

Office and supervisory employes at the Uniroyal plants in Beacon Falls and Naugatuck crossed picket lines without incident this morning to go to work.

About 50 persons entered the Beacon Falls plant — the first to do so since the strike began April 21. Some 200 went into the Naugatuck plant. There was no violence or name – calling.

There were perhaps a dozen pickets on duty in Beacon Falls. Token picketing in Naugatuck was in sharp contrast to the mass picketing of last week.

Raymond Mengacci, vice president of Local 45, United Rubber Workers of America, told The Sentinel today that he had ordered his picket captains to permit no interference with persons entering or leaving the plants.

Warning Heeded

Union officials have said they would heed the warning given Friday by Judge Leo V. Gaffney of Superior Court in Waterbury against mass picketing.

A hearing will be held at 11 Court on Uniroyal’s application for an injunction to bar mass picketing and picket – line violence.

Meanwhile union officials announced that strike benefit checks will be available tomorrow and Wednesday.

Members of Locals 218 and 308 may get their checks between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at their local headquarters.

Members of Local 45 will re-

ceive them on the following schedule at union headquarters: Tuesday morning, Clock Numbers 1, to 3000; Tuesday afternoon, 3001 to 7000; Wednesday morning, 7001,to 11000; Wednesday afternoon, 11001 to 15999.

Conditions Very Quiet Today In UniRoyal Strike

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47.17

PICKETERS at the Maple St. gate of UniRoyal wore smiles this morning as they allowed white collar workers enter the plants without incident. Peaceful picketing was the order of the day, a far cry from the near riot conditions of Thursday and Friday.
—(News photo by Piscitelli)

8-8-67

Conditions Very Quiet Today In UniRoyal Strike

Peaceful picketing was conducted at the gates of all UniRoyal plants this morning as negotiations on the UniRoyal master contracts resumed in Cincinnati.

After Thursday and Friday mornings near-riot conditions on Maple St., management of UniRoyal went into Waterbury Superior Court Friday afternoon seeking a restraining order.

Judge Leo V. Gaffney issued a stern warning to the unions to cease blocking operations and allow the white collar workers to enter the plants. He continued the case until tomorrow to allow the union to prepare its case.

Raymond Mengacci, vice-president of Local 45, said he issued instructions to his picket captains to uphold the law and allow company personnel to pass through the lines.

Mengacci was at the Maple St. gates this morning to insure picketing remained peaceful.

Police relieved that the tension has eased, spent the morning assessing the situation and checking on damaged clothing and injuries received while trying to control the situation.

UniRoyal, along with the restraining order it is seeking, is asking $1 million in damages from the union as a result of the strikers’ alleged interference with plant operations.

The injunction request reads, in part, that “the plaintiff (UniRoyal) has been and will continue to be unable to perform functions vital to its operations ….”

Neither President of Local 45, George Froehlich, or its vice-president, Mengacci, have any comment to make on this claim of damages.

[Visible on picket signs in image:]
– UNITED RUBBER WORKERS ON STRIKE
– UNITED RUBBER WORKERS ON STRIKE

Peace Prevailing Today At Strikebound Uniroyal

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Peace Prevailing Today At Strikebound Uniroyal

NAUGATUCK — An air of peace prevailed this morning at the strikebound Uniroyal Footwear Plant as company personnel entered the Maple St. gate office without incident from nearby picketing members of the United Rubber Workers, in contrast to clashes between the strikers and police during the latter part of last week.

Instructions for peaceful picketing were given to picket captains by Raymond Mengacci,

Naugatuck Valley

vice-president of Local 45, Sunday, in the wake of a stern warning from Superior Court Judge Leo V. Gaffney, Friday, to refrain from interfering in any way with operations of the Uniroyal Plant, pending a hearing on an injunction petition by the company against mass picketing. The hearing will be held Tuesday at 11 a. m.

Damages of $1 million are being asked b y Uniroyal management from the union as a result of the strikers’ alleged interference with plant operations. The injunction request reads in part that “the plaintiff (Uniroyal) has been and will continue to be unable to perform functions vital to its operations. . .”

No comments on t he company’s damage claims were made by Mengacci, who said he had not been aware of the subject and would have to wait until Tuesday’s hearing before making a statement. Local 45 President George Froehlich, also contacted Sunday, s aid he had “no comments.”

As far as it could be determined, this is the first time in which this large figure in damages have been claimed by the company during strikes within the past several years.

Talks on a new contract between the company and the union resume today in Cincinnati as the strike enters into its third week. However, Froehlich, when contacted Sunday, declined to comment on the progress of the talks between the union and management representatives.

Picketing at the two other plants of Uniroyal, the Chemical Division and Synthetic, has been peaceful from the beginning of the strike.

have gone back to their normal routine. The chief expressed his appreciation to Vice-Presidents Mengacci of Local 45 and Cy Blanchard, Local 218, for restoring peace and order to the picket lines. He also said he had the highest praise for his police staff during the crucial moments of the uneasiness that had prevailed between the pickets and police last week.

Strike benefit checks will be issued by the union Tuesday and Wednesday between 9 a. m. and 3 p. m. Members of each local should report to his local’s headquarters.

Those eligible are members who have performed or were available for strike duty.

Mayor Joseph Raytkwich said today that a special meeting will be held today at 7 p.m. by the Welfare Board to set up a policy for welfare benefits for those affected by the strike. Inquiries on benefits, he said, have been coming to his office and to the Welfare Department.

Mayor Frederick W. Palomba of Waterbury and First Selectman Norman W. Husted, Oxford, also have received inquiries on welfare aid, it was reported.

[Handwritten note at top: 5-9-66]

[Bottom partial text visible: Frank Mariano]

No Trouble Anticipated On Uniroyal Picket Line

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No Trouble Anticipated On Uniroyal Picket Line

3-8-67

NAUGATUCK — Strike wrought negotiations on a new Uniroyal contract will resume this morning in Cincinnati, Ohio,

Naugatuck

and picketing will continue to be “peaceful” in front of the local plant, union officials reported Sunday.

While the nationwide rubber workers strike goes into its third week, pickets here are expected to take up a quiet watch in front of the Naugatuck plant, after a stern warning from Superior Court Judge Leo V. Gaffney to cease blocking operations. This order was issued after two days of heated exchanges and union arrests when white-collar workers tried to enter the plant late last week.

In response to the judge’s order, vice president of Local 45, Raymond Mengacci, said:

“We will uphold the law. We are not going to hold up company personnel. I issued these instructions to my picket captains today.” Picketing was peaceful Saturday, after the warning.

Local President George Froehlich said, when called Sunday, that negotiations on the contract will resume as usual at 10 a.m. today in the Netherlands Hilton Hotel in Cincinnati. He would not comment on the progress of the talks with management representatives.

An injunction request for the union to show cause why a restraining order should not be issued on mass picketing will be heard Tuesday morning by Judge Gaffney.

$1 Million Asked

Among claims on picketing restraints by Uniroyal management is the asking of $1 million in damages from the union as a result of the strikers’ alleged interference with plant operations.

The injunction request reads in part that “the plaintiff (Uniroyal) has been and will continue to be unable to perform functions vital to its operations. . .”

When asked Sunday for a reaction to damage claim, Mengacci said that he was not aware of the subject and would have to wait until Tuesday’s hearing before commenting. hearing before commenting. Froehlich said: “No comments.”

Arrest Driver

Police arrested a local driver

Sunday evening on the charge of failure to obey a state traffic control sign.

Arrested was Eugene Quint, 20, 24 Aetna St. Officer Henry Kuczinski issued the summons at 8:30 p.m. to appear at the Fourth Circuit Court Waterbury, June 12.

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.