negotiations

Still Quiet In 25-Day-Old Strike

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Still Quiet In 25-Day-Old Strike

Monday May 15, 1967

Still Quiet In 25-Day-Old Strike

George Froehlich, president of Local 45, United Rubber Workers Union, stood at the Maple St. gate of the Footwear Plant, along with picketers this morning, as supervisory personnel of UniRoyal reported for work.

Production in the plant by management was reportedly scheduled to begin today. However, no incidents occurred on the picket lines this morning as some employes arrived an hour earlier for work.

John Smith, manager of the Footwear Plant, was unavailable this morning for comment.

Shipment of goods from the warehouse continued all last week without incident. A few truck drivers, members of the Teamster Union, refused to cross the picket line, but some trucks were brought in by trucking company management.

Negotiations on the master contract in Cincinnati were recessed for the weekend with sessions scheduled to resume at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning. Froehlich returned to the borough over the weekend as well as other local members of the union negotiating team and management negotiators.

The strike, now 25 days old, continues with no word on the progress, if any, being made in negotiations. The issues have not been defined by either side, holding to a pact made by both sides that no statement would be made until settlement has been reached.

The Union was given a strike vote by the membership before it entered into negotiations in Cincinnati and no meeting of the locals has been called to inform the membership of progress.

The three locals in the borough will distribute the $25 benefit checks to its eligible membership for the second week, starting tomorrow.

Rumors of immediate settlement and ones of a long, drawn-out strike, both are rampant in the borough. Most merchants are beginning to feel the pinch of the strike. A few merchants have reported excellent sales as the strikers have been doing household repairs in their idle time.

Many strikers have resorted to part-time jobs to implement their dwindling funds while others, in desperation, have applied for welfare.

Meeting Here Lessens UniRoyal Strike Tensions

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Meeting Here Lessens UniRoyal Strike Tensions

Meeting Here Lessens UniRoyal Strike Tensions

Tuesday MAY 16, 1967 [handwritten]

A three-hour meeting yesterday morning between management and union of UniRoyal led to the lessening of mounting tension. Management assured the union no attempt at footwear production would be made by supervisory personnel.

Following the meeting, the union decided to reduce the hours of picketing back to the original schedule of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the footwear plants. The around-the-clock schedule of picketing at the Chemical and Synthetic plants will continue.

The meeting was called yesterday when management personnel began reporting at the plant an hour earlier than their normal schedule. Men were observed attired in casual clothes, indicating the rumor that production would begin held some vestige of truth.

Management also assured the Union officials that no efforts to move trucks in or out after 6 p.m. will be made.

Contract negotiations resumed this morning in Cincinnati following a weekend recess. The strike of United Rubber Workers is now in its 26th day.

Union And Uniroyal Reach Joint Accord

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Union And Uniroyal Reach Joint Accord

Union And Uniroyal Reach Joint Accord

Tuesday MAY 16, 1967 [handwritten]

NAUGATUCK— Pickets at the strikebound Uniroyal Footwear Plant have gone back to their original hours of picketing from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., following an agreement with management that no effort will be made to move trucks in or out of the plant after 6 p.m., Local 45 union officials said Monday night.

The arrangement does not affect schedules at the chemical and synthetic plants where picketing continues around the clock.

Decision to reduce the picketing schedule at the footwear plant came after a three-hour meeting between the union and company officials Monday morning at which management also assured the union no attempts at footwear production would be made by supervisory personnel.

Local 45 spokesmen said rumors that such an effort would be made starting Monday had become so prevalent the meeting with management was deemed necessary to pin down the matter one way or the other.

Around-the-clock picketing began May 3 when reports reached the union that management intended to resume shipping. Two days of scuffling followed before the strike reached an even keel again.

Contract negotiations aimed at ending the strike are scheduled to resume at 10 a.m. today in Cincinnati, Ohio.

AKRON, Ohio (AP) ))— Negotiators for the United Rubber Workers and the General Tire & Rubber Co. recessed bargaining after the URW contract with the nation’s fifth largest rubber producer expired at midnight.

Another meeting was scheduled today as work continues, a union spokesman said.

Representatives of the company, with headquarters here, met with union negotiators at Cleveland.

General has 3,052 workers in the URW, which has been on strike against three of the country’s big four rubber companies for 26 days.

That strike idled more than 50,000 April 20 at plants of Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., B. F. Goodrich Co. and Uniroyal.

Employes of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. have continued to work on a day-to-day basis after the April 20 deadline.

Negotiations have continued with Goodyear and Uniroyal in Cincinnati, Goodrich at Columbus and Firestone in Cleveland.

Neither side has commented on the negotiations.

Firestone has laid off some workers at its tire cord plants in Gastonia, N.C., and Bennettsville, S.C., because of the strike. The textile division plants are not covered by the URW contracts.

Union Goes On 12-Hour Schedule Of Picketing

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Union Goes On 12-Hour Schedule Of Picketing

16—Waterbury Republican, Tuesday, May 16, 1967

Joint Agreement

Union Goes On 12-Hour Schedule Of Picketing

NAUGATUCK — Around-the-clock picketing in the 26-day-old Uniroyal strike was halted at

Naugatuck

the footwear plant Monday and the original 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule restored.

Reason for the reduced schedule, officials of the 4,000-member Local 45, United Rubber Workers, said, was management assurance that no effort to move trucks in or out after 6 p.m. will be made.

The arrangement does not affect schedules at the chemical and synthetic plants where picketing continues around the clock.

Decision to reduce the picketing schedule at the footwear plant came after a three-hour meeting between the union and company officials Monday morning at which management also assured the union no attempts at footwear production would be made by supervisory personnel.

Local 45 spokesmen said rumors that such an effort would be made starting Monday had become so prevalent the meeting with management was deemed necessary to pin down the matter one way or the other.

Around-the-clock picketing began May 3 when reports reached the union that management intended to resume shipping. Two days of scuffling followed before the strike reached an even keel again.

Contract negotiations aimed at ending the strike are scheduled to resume at 10 a.m. today in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Uniroyal Strike Affects Beacon Falls Area Economy

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Uniroyal Strike Affects Beacon Falls Area Economy

Uniroyal Strike Affects

Beacon Falls Area Economy

Tuesday MAY 16, 1967 [handwritten]

By R. E. FITZPATRICK

The Uniroyal strike is having its effect on the economic life of the Naugatuck-Beacon Falls area.

With some 5,000 men and women on strike since April 21, considerably less money is flowing into the area.

Bank deposits are down and withdrawals are greater than normal, some area bankers have found. They expect this trend to continue even after a strike settlement is reached, at least briefly.

Independent grocers have noted a somewhat greater volume of credit buying, but they term the amount not excessive.

Case loads of welfare departments in some surrounding communities are up slightly, but less than some welfare officials had expected.

With time on their hands, many of the strikers apparently are working on do-it-yourself projects.

Local lumber and hardware dealers have noted an increase in the sale of home-repair and home-improvement supplies during the first two weeks of the strike.

Otherwise, they say, business is about normal for this time of year.

The violence that marred the strike early this month has faded. Trucks are entering and leaving the Uniroyal plants daily, taking out cargoes of finished goods.

Picketing is much reduced and has been peaceful.

Around – the – clock picketing ended yesterday at the Naugatuck footwear plant of Uniroyal and the original 6 a.m.-6 p.m. hours were restored.

Officials of Local 45, United Rubber Workers of America, said the move came after the company assured them at a meeting Monday morning that there would be no attempt to drive trucks into or out of the plant after 6 p.m.

Picketing continues around the clock at the chemical and synthetic plants of Uniroyal.

Some 800 office and supervisory personnel are going to work daily at the struck Uniroyal plants in Naugatuck and Beacon Falls without incident, according to Thomas J. Nelligan, industrial relations spokesman for Uniroyal.

Meanwhile, in Cincinnati negotiations are continuing in the nationwide strike that has idled about 50,000 United Rubber workers, including those in Naugatuck and Beacon Falls.

Union Goes On 12-Hour Schedule Of Picketing

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Union Goes On 12-Hour Schedule Of Picketing

16—Waterbury Republican, Tuesday, May 16, 1967

Joint Agreement

Union Goes On 12-Hour Schedule Of Picketing

NAUGATUCK — Around-the-clock picketing in the 26-day-old Uniroyal strike was halted at

Naugatuck

the footwear plant Monday and the original 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule restored.

Reason for the reduced schedule, officials of the 4,000-member Local 45, United Rubber Workers, said, was management assurance that no effort to move trucks in or out after 6 p.m. will be made.

The arrangement does not affect schedules at the chemical and synthetic plants where picketing continues around the clock.

Decision to reduce the picketing schedule at the footwear plant came after a three-hour meeting between the union and company officials Monday morning at which management also assured the union no attempts at footwear production would be made by supervisory personnel.

Local 45 spokesmen said rumors that such an effort would be made starting Monday had become so prevalent the meeting with management was deemed necessary to pin down the matter one way or the other.

Around-the-clock picketing began May 3 when reports reached the union that management intended to resume shipping. Two days of scuffling followed before the strike reached an even keel again.

Contract negotiations aimed at ending the strike are scheduled to resume at 10 a.m. today in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Picket Lines Stay Quiet At Uniroyal

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Picket Lines Stay Quiet At Uniroyal

Thurs MAY 18, 1967 [handwritten notation]

Naugatuck-picket lines at the strikebound Uniroyal Chemical division remained quiet throughout the night and this morning following a meeting between John Evans, plant manager and other company officials and Local 213 President Joseph Rzesutzek, Wednesday morning.

Evans said the company was “contemplating” shipping from the plant, however, no shipments were reported to have been made to date.

Evans said he had no comment to make following a meeting between management and Local 218 officials Wednesday morning, and cited the agreement with the union that no statements would be issued while negotiations were in progress.

Joseph Rzeszutek, who had flown in from Cincinnati Tuesday night, concurred with Evans that no comment would be made.

Rzeszutek said that picket teams would not be increased but would continue on the normal, around-the-clock schedule.

Uniroyal Picket Lines Still Quiet

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Uniroyal Picket Lines Still Quiet

Thursday MAY 18, 1967

NAUGATUCK — Although Naugatuck Chemical plant manager John Evans said Wednesday that the company was “contemplating” shipping from the plant, the scene on the United Rubber Workers Local 218 picket lines remained quiet throughout the day. No shipments were reported.

Evans said he had no comment to make following a meeting between management and Local 218 officials Wednesday morning, and cited the agreement with the union that no statements would be issued while negotiations were in progress.

Local 218 President Joseph Rzeszutek, who had flown in from Cincinnati Tuesday night, concurred with Evans that no comment would be made.

Rzeszutek said that picket teams would not be increased but would continue on the normal, around-the-clock schedule.

Negotiations continued in Cincinnati Wednesday, although no word was available concerning the progress of the talks.

Dear Sir:

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Dear Sir: Wed. MAY 17, 1976

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pensioner
Mr. Michael San Angelo
77 Chestnut Street

Train Enters Chemical Division Without Incident

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Train Enters Chemical Division Without Incident

Thursday MAY 18, 1967

Train Enters Chemical Division Without Incident

Three pickets stood at the main gate of the Chemical Division of UniRoyal, Inc., yesterday afternoon and watched a train go into the company’s yard without incident.

The engine of the train came into the local railroad station from Waterbury during the noon-hour, stopped at the local station where management and railroad police boarded the engine.

It then proceeded to the Elm St. railroad yard where it spent almost an hour switching cars and lining them up to take into the Chemical Division. When the train was ready to roll, railroad employes left the train to railroad management and railroad police to operate, honoring the United Rubber Workers picket line.

President Joseph Rzeszutek of Local 218, flew in from Cincinnati Tuesday night, when news of the company’s intent to start activity at the Chemical Co. was relayed to him.

He and other Union officials met yesterday morning in the offices of John Evans, manager of the Chemical Co., with Evans and Ronald Pohl, labor relations director. No comment on the meeting was released, by either management or labor.

The Union, laboring under the threat of an injunction, has been extremely cautious that no incidence occur.

This morning, all was quiet on the picket lines at the Chemical Division. Only three pickets were observed at the main gate, one of which was a woman.

Small teams of pickets were on duty at all gates of the borough’s UniRoyal plants this morning where calm is maintained.

A group of pickets at the Elm St. gate of the Footwear Warehouse came close to being run down by a truck attempting to enter the gate at a fast rate of speed. The pickets said that the truck was coming so fast that they were unable to move from its path where they were standing talking.

Local police on the scene slowed the truck down to avoid an accident.

AKRON, Ohio (UPI) — The ‘Rubber Capital of the World’ today continues to function under a lengthy rubber strike.

Mayor John Ballard has expressed concern that an extended strike, and the resulting loss of workers’ income tax, will hamper city finances.

Meanwhile, negotiations between the General Tire and Rubber Co. and the United Rubber Workers Union remained recessed although both company and union officials say they can be resumed at any time.

The company’s 3,300 employes, covered by the union contract which expired at Monday midnight, continued working at the facilities here and at Waco, Tex.

In the rest of the industry, negotiations continued Wednesday with the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. in Cleveland; with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and with UniRoyal in Cincinnati, and with B. F. Goodrich in Columbus.

Only Goodyear is continuing production, on a day to day basis. The other three companies are closed down by strikes. The companies have a mutual aid strike agreement.

A union spokesman said he could make no comment on the

Please Turn to Page 10

Uniroyal Progress Reported

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Uniroyal Progress Reported

Friday May 19, 1967 [handwritten]

NAUGATUCK— Informed sources gave indications Thursday that there were signs of progress in the negotiations between Uniroyal, Inc., and the United Rubber Workers, still in progress in Cincinnati. The two groups are scheduled to meet again today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strike Settlement Rumors Remain Unconfirmed Today

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Strike Settlement Rumors Remain Unconfirmed Today

Neptune

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

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

Friday MAY 19, 1967 [handwritten]

Strike Settlement Rumors Remain Unconfirmed Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

UniRoyal Strike 32 Days Old; Settlement Rumors Optimistic

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UniRoyal Strike 32 Days Old; Settlement Rumors Optimistic

NAus. News
Monday MAY 22, 1967

UniRoyal Strike 32 Days Old; Settlement Rumors Optimistic

The strike of United Rubber Workers against UniRoyal has now entered its 32nd day with picketing in the borough calm as white collar workers and trucks pass through the gates of the plant.

The flurry of rumors of impending settlement that caused excitement in town last week has subsided and the strikers have once again adopted a waiting attitude.

Negotiations between management and Union, which have been conducted since March 20, will resume this week in Cincinnati following a weekend recess. No word of the progress has been released.

The financial loss in wages alone in the borough is staggering. Applying mathematics and figuring 5,500 striking employes in local plants and an average daily income of about $25, approximately $137,500 is lost every day of the strike in wages alone, not taking into consideration the loss in income for the plants not producing merchandise.

By extending this figure over the 32-days the strike has been in progress, the total wages lost, using these figures as a base, is $4,400,000.

Using the same base as daily wages and considering that 55,000 persons are out of work due to the strike against the “big five” Rubber Companies more than $40 million has been lost in wages thus far.

The union is paying its membership a benefit of $25 a week. Many of the striking workers have found temporary part-time employment while others are beginning to dig into their savings.

The welfare agencies have received requests from strikers who have nothing to fall back on since the first week of idleness.

Uniroyal Rumors Unconfirmed

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Uniroyal Rumors Unconfirmed

SAT. MAY 20, 1967 [handwritten]

NAUGATUCK — Although rumors ran wild in the borough Friday to the effect that Uniroyal and the United Rubber Workers had reached a settlement in their negotiations on a master contract, the rumors failed to pan out, and no settlement was announced.

Other rumors, which claimed that they were at least close, were heard around the borough but remained unconfirmed, as negotiators in Cincinnati refused to speak with the press.

The first hints of possible settlement were indicated by reliable source Thursday, when it was reported that the number of items under discussion had dropped from approximately 50 to about 20.

It was also reported that management had offered a 75 per cent guaranteed annual wage clause. No further details on the clause could be obtained.

Rumors of a settlement between Firestone and the URW also remained unconfirmed at press time Friday, as no statements were issued.

Recess In Talks Dulls Hopes For Uniroyal Strike Settlement

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Recess In Talks Dulls Hopes For Uniroyal Strike Settlement

Recess In Talks Dulls Hopes For Uniroyal Strike Settlement

Sunday May 21, 1967 [handwritten]

By PATRICK KEATING
Register Staff Reporter

NAUGATUCK —A weekend recess in contract talks between the international policy committee of the United Rubber Workers, AFL-CIO, and of Uniroyal management carried the strike at the company’s three divisions here into its 31st day today.

Negotiators agreed to the recess Friday and will resume talks Monday at 10 a.m. at Cincinnati.

The recess is a disappointment to the 5,000 idled employes of the Footwear, Chemical and Synthetic Divisions of Uniroyal here, for hopes of a settlement had been feeding on reports,

some reliable and others unsubstantiated, that a breakthrough was imminent.

Officials of Locals, 45, 218 and 308 who are in daily contact with Cincinnati, however, are holding out some encouragement that the strike will be settled shortly. They said their sources report closer contact at the conference table.

Reportedly, Uniroyal management is using the weekend to reassess the revised demands of the union.

One spokesman for the unio here said that company official could walk into the conferenc room Monday and agree t terms.

This, if it happened, could n

come too soon for rubber workers and the town. The strike has had an effect on the financial status of the striking employes and the economic life of borough stores and businesses.

The strike has left the idled workers with four payless weeks and the prospects of a fifth if an agreement is not reached early next week.

Financial relief of $25 weekly is being extended to members by the URW and assistance is available from th

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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.

Striking Rubber Workers Urge Boycott of Products

by

tions.” Times 5-27-67

Striking Rubber Workers
Urge Boycott of Products

AKRON, Ohio, May 25 (AP)
—A campaign against the purchase of products made by three
struck rubber companies is being conducted by the United
Rubber Workers.

The companies struck by the
union April 20 when contracts
expired are Uniroyal, B. F.
Goodrich Company, and the
Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. Workers at the General
Tire and Rubber and Goodyear
Tire and Rubber plants are
working on a day-to-day basis
while contract negotiations continue.

Peter Bommarito, union president, said Wednesday union
members on strike against the
three companies would be stationed at dealer stores with
posters asking customers not to
buy their products.

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

by

5-26-67

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

temical
ivision

UNIROYAL
U.S. RUBBER

MAIN
ENTRANCE

SALES INDUSTRIAL
CHEMICALS COATINGS
ORDNANCE TEXTILES

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CENTER

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

Picketing

(Continued from Page One)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seeks Same Effect

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Asks For Statement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAPER MONEY

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

Only about one woman in 250 is color blind.

Football Star

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

Time To Consider

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Time To Consider

Saturday May 27, 1967

Time To Consider

United Rubber Workers Local 218 has been summoned to appear in Superior Court next week to show cause why an injunction should not be issued against illegal picketing in the month-old strike involving Naugatuck plants of Uniroyal, Inc.

Judge Leo V. Gaffney, who issued the order, also expressed the hope that things in Naugatuck would quiet down and thus eliminate the need for the hearing, presently slated for Thursday.

The judge ordered the show-cause hearing in the wake of arrests made at Uniroyal gates, when union pickets attempted to prevent management personnel from entering the plant.

Management had insisted that the employes were needed to produce items needed for the war in Vietnam. Union officials hotly denied that there was any proof of need for the items which management said were destined for the Southeast Asian war effort.

The point is, of course, that there is obvious lack of communication; obvious skepticism. It is, as Judge Gaffney said, not difficult to understand that union members should be exercised by the thought that “someone is destroying . . . their right to work and live.”

It is almost always thus in matters of disagreement in labor difficulties which end up with strikes. When failure to agree reaches the strike stage, emotionalism almost always takes over in place of realism; and the phenomenon is not limited to one side or the other.

It would be far better for all parties concerned if reason and common sense could prevail—which is what Judge Gaffney was suggesting. Let’s hope there will be no hearing. Let’s hope that there will be a settlement before June 1 rolls around.

Local 45 Membership Meets This Afternoon

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Local 45 Membership Meets This Afternoon

Local 45 Membership Meets This Afternoon

5-29-67

By RUTH NICHOLS

A meeting of the membership of Local 45 United Rubber Workers is scheduled for this afternoon at 2:30 in the Naugatuck High School auditorium.

Local 45 President George Froehlich, home from the negotiating sessions in Cincinnati, will address the membership as a whole for the first time since the beginning of the 39-

day old strike. No advance word as to the subject of this meeting has been released.

Because of the Memorial Day holiday this week, the issuance of the strike benefit checks will vary from the previous weeks. Those who have been receiving their checks on Tuesday are scheduled for the same time Wednesday and those who normally pick up checks on Wednesday will report Thursday, Local

45 announced.

Picketing in the borough remained quiet today at all three plants of UniRoyal. Both Local 45 and 218 are operating with the threat of a restraining injunction being imposed at the first sign of violence.

At the beginning of the month the membership of Local 45 became angered when management officials announced they

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4 Pickets Are Arrested At Uniroyal

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4 Pickets Are Arrested At Uniroyal

5-31-67 [handwritten]

Naugatuck police arrested four union pickets today, including a Seymour resident, as supervisory personnel at Uniroyal Co. filed through picket lines to begin production.

Company management had notified representatives of Local 45, United Rubber Workers of America, Monday that production would be begun today by supervisory personnel.

Edward Alvares, president of URW Local 308, warned of the possibility of danger in having supervisory personnel, unfamiliar with procedures, working in production at the chemical plant.

Safety Precautions

Company officials said safety precautions were being taken.

About 100 pickets were on duty in front of the Naugatuck plant today when about 150 supervisory employees went to work.

Twelve policemen were on duty and arrested four pickets on charges of breach of peace, including Anthony Gambardella of 53 Birchwood Road, Seymour. Two pickets were carried away.

Negotiations between management and the union are taking place in Cincinnati. They were scheduled to resume today.

George Froelich, president of Local 45, told union members yesterday at a meeting at Naugatuck High School auditorium that company officials were reluctant to discuss issues presented by union negotiators.

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

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be kept.

6-1-67

Strike Negotiations

Continued From Page 1

community with production being carried on in both plants by skeleton crews of supervisory personnel.

John Evans, factory manager, of both plants, has issued assuring statements that no danger exists which have been questioned by the union.

All rumors of impending settlement have been squashed since George Froehlich, president of Local 45, held a meeting of its membership Monday and told them that little or no progress had been made in six weeks of negotiating.

Strikers in the borough are beginning to think about the possibility of an idle summer with no settlement before September.

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

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Negotiators Not Meeting In Ohio

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Negotiators Not Meeting In Ohio

6-2-67

No negotiating sessions between UniRoyal and the United Rubber Workers have been held yet this week and strong rumors indicate no session will be held today. Yesterday for the second consecutive day a scheduled session was canceled.

Union spokesmen said the reason for the cancellation of Wednesday’s and Thursday’s talks was to enable the negotiating committees to meet privately. The cancellations were said to be by mutual agreement.

Peter Bommarito, URW international president, in the union’s NLRB unfair labor practice complaint, struck bitterly at the mutual assistance strike pact of the five major rubber companies as the cause of the union’s strike against UniRoyal, Firestone and Goodrich.

He said the union expects to file similar charges against all five of the major concerns. He called the strike pact a “combination or conspiracy” among the five companies.

The pact, according to Bommarito, which provides “substantial” financial aid for any of the five that experience work stoppages – to be supplied by those that aren’t struck – isn’t unprecedented in industry. But the issue hasn’t previously been

the basis of unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB.

Bommarito, in the union’s NLRB complaint, contended the mutual aid pact has prolonged the strike because it prevents the employer from agreeing on necessary terms of settlement without the approval of the other members of the conspiracy.

The companies had stated, in disclosing existence of the pact

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Small Groups Continue Talks

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Small Groups Continue Talks

2—Waterbury American, Friday, June 2, 1967

Naugatuck

Small Groups Continue Talks

NAUGATUCK— Although scheduled talks on a master contract between the big five rubber companies and United Rubber Workers failed to take place this week, it was learned this morning that individual firm and union officials of each company local are meeting in

Naugatuck Valley

small groups for continuation of negotiations.

Officials of Locals 45, 218 and 308 are in Cincinnati, Ohio. However, the team of Uniroyal Company negotiators has returned here, with the talks being carried on by New York officials of Uniroyal.

The strike against Uniroyal and two other giant rubber companies enters its seventh week today.

Union spokesmen said the reason for the cancellation of Wednesday’s and Thursday’s talks was to enable the negotiating committees to meet privately. The cancellations, it was noted, were by mutual agreement.

In other developments it was learned Thursday that URW International President Peter Bommarito may file unfair labor practice charges against Uniroyal.

Bommarito alleges that a mutual aid pact between the five rubber firms is interfering with “good faith bargaining.”

The URW filed unfair labor practice charges against Firestone Thursday, and plans “to file similar charges against each of the other four parties who are parties to this strike assistance pact.”

The international president charged that the mutual aid pact was the cause of the strike against Uniroyal, Firestone and B.F.Goodrich.

Work has continued on a day-to-day basis at the other two members of the big five, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and General Tire and Rubber Co.

Pickets at the three borough operations continued Thursday, with no reports of mass picketing among any of the three locals.

Uniroyal Talks Fail To Occur

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6-2-67

Uniroyal Talks Fail To Occur

NAUGATUCK — For the second day scheduled talks on a master contract between Uniroyal and the United Rubber Workers failed to take place Thursday. Reliable sources indicated that they would not resume today.

URW sources in Cincinnati said Thursday night that the union had made an offer to management to resume negotiations today, but added that as of that time management had not responded to the offer.

Exactly when the negotiations would resume could not be learned, as management spokesmen could not be reached Thursday night.

As the second day of the sudden break in negotiations drew to a close, the strike against Uniroyal and two other giant rubber companies entered its seventh week.

Union spokesmen said the reason for the cancellation of Wednesday’s and Thursday’s talks was to enable the negotiating committees to meet privately. The cancellations, it was noted, were by mutual agreement.

In other developments it was learned Thursday that URW International President Peter Bommarito may file unfair labor practice charges against Uniroyal.

Bommarito alleges that a mutual aid pact between the five rubber firms is interfering with “good faith bargaining.”

The URW filed unfair labor practice charges against Firestone Thursday, and plans “to file similar charges against each of the other four parties who are parties to this strike assistance pact.”

The international president charged that the mutual aid pact was the cause of the strike against Uniroyal, Firestone and B.F.Goodrich.

Work has continued on a day-by-day basis at the other two members of the big five, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and General Tire and Rubber Co.

Pickets at the three borough operations continued Thursday, with no reports of mass picketing among any of the three locals.

Time For Action

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Time For Action

Editorial….

6-3-67

Time For Action

Time is relative to many factors.

All of us have had long days and all of us have had short ones, too. Under certain circumstances, 40 days could be a short time — much too short, say, when spent on a Florida vacation or a trip to Europe.

But under other circumstances, 40 days can be an excruciatingly long time — and such is the case with Naugatuck at the moment.

The strike against UniRoyal has long since passed the stage when it was a temporary inconvenience. Naugatuck is hurting –and hurting bad!

The latest word from Ohio, where all the conversation has been going on presumably in an effort to arrive at some sort of meeting of the minds, is not one about which we can grow enthusiastic or even slightly hopeful.

In short, it’s not good.

For at least three days there has been a recess with no progress whatsoever, and there is no indication that the situation is about to change. It has been said that the talks in Cincinnati to date have been the “weirdest” negotiations in the memory of some venerable veterans of the labor-management wars.

It’s hard to judge here in Naugatuck, several hundred miles away from the scene of the action (?) just what’s going on, despite official reports. It’s difficult if not impossible, to dedetermine who’s right and who’s wrong at this point.

But there seems little question that something is wrong somewhere. Somebody isn’t trying as hard as might be expected.

It seems to us that there has been ample time to think and talk about the problems involved in the UniRoyal strike. What is needed now is action! And plenty of it!

We are not attempting to point the finger at either side in this dispute at the moment. We simply know that this prolonged dispute is creating an atmosphere in Naugatuck which is both unhealthy and potentially dangerous.

The wheels of commerce are slowing down. Bills are going unpaid, debts are increasing and — what’s worse — tempers are getting shorter. The potential for trouble is tremendous.

We would suggest, then, that this is not the time to put off negotiations, but rather the time to step up the tempo.

There is an answer somewhere, if men will but use their minds and resort to logic and reason instead of emotion. Let’s get on with it!

Naugatuck Stalemate May Ease

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Naugatuck Stalemate May Ease

Rubber Strike In 45th Day 6-4-67

Naugatuck Stalemate May Ease

By PATRICK KEATING
Register Staff Reporter

NAUGATUCK — A turning point in the stalemated negotiations between the United Rubber Workers-AFL-CIO and Uniroyal is expected this week, possibly as early as Monday.

The strike at the company’s three local divisions is now in its 45th day.

Though neither side is talking outside the conference rooms, it has been indicated that the issue of a new master contract has reached a point where either

the union or the company will have to budge.

If this happens, an agreement could be reached that would send some 5,000 local union members back to work after being idle since April 21.

The seriousness of the deadlock in negotiations was evident this past week when the URW international committee and Uniroyal representatives reportedly failed to meet following the Memorial Day holiday.

Reports from Cincinnati were that both negotiating teams had passed up official conferences so that they might meet separately in a drastic effort to resolve the stalemate.

A reliable source has said that when negotiations are resumed Monday, Uniroyal will have a package deal available for the consideration of the union. The context of this reported proposal is not yet known and the policy of Uniroyal has been to abstain from public announcements on its position.

Last Monday, the company forwarded an open letter to its employes, explaining that it had proposed that the contract be negotiated on a day-to-day basis. This would have permitted production to continue.

George Froehlich, president of Local 45, Footwear, did not discount the statement but said that the proposal to work and negotiate had been tendered only a short time before the expiration of the contract.

Prior to the strike, the URW announced it was seeking a substantial hourly wage increase

and a guaranteed salary, among other benefits. The guaranteed wage is considered one of the real issues that has kept the negotiators apart.

It is reported that Uniroyal is interested in signing a contract on a three-year basis. Present contracts are for two years.

Also, Uniroyal is looking to September when it will have to negotiate a supplemental contract with the union. The possibility of another walkout then has prompted Uniroyal to seek an understanding at this time on pension and other benefits. However, the union reportedly is not enthused about any agreement now on issues that pertain to the supplemental contract.

City’s Yale Club To Hold Annual Dinner On Monday

The annual dinner meeting of the Yale Club of New Haven will be held Monday in the dining room of Ezra Stiles College, according to club president Norman I. Botwinik. A social hour will begin in the buttery at 6:30 p.m.

Henry Elliot, program chairman, said scholarships will be presented to Mark DeFrancesco of Notre Dame High School; Joseph Roberti, Branford High; Richard Sweeting, Wilbur Cross, and Harry Armstrong, who will be graduating from West Haven High. Membership dues provide the revenues for the scholarships.

Speaker at the dinner will be Ingslee Clark, director of admissions at Yale. Donald Walker will be toastmaster.

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

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Negotiations

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Negotiations

c-6-67 [handwritten]

Continued From Page 1

that “the economy of the whole valley is affected by the strike.”

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.

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

If Governor Dempsey and his advisors cannot wield the necessary influence, McGrath said, he would consider seeking federal action.

Reports have been received from Ohio that it is felt by URW membership that a faster settlement will be reached if all negotiators sit down in a body and discuss all the issues, including the local issues.

Negotiations are presently being held in three Ohio cities. UniRoyal and Goodyear are negotiating in Cincinnati, Firestone and General Tire in another city with Goodrich in the third location.

TECH-AGE [partial text visible at bottom]

Goodrich Negotiators Holding Up Settlement?

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Goodrich Negotiators Holding Up Settlement?

Goodrich Negotiators Holding Up Settlement?

6-5-67 [handwritten]

According to a story in an Ohio newspaper, one group of union negotiators, reportedly from Goodrich, may be preventing the United Rubber Workers and Big Five rubber companies from moving toward rapid settlement of the 44-day strike against three of the companies.

Arrangements reportedly had been made for representatives of all five companies, Goodyear Firestone, UniRoyal, Goodrich and General Tire, to sit together at the bargaining table with representatives of the union locals from each firm.

Word was that all the companies and URW policy committees from four of the firms has agreed to the industrywide bargaining. The Goodrich negotiators reportedly wouldn’t go along.

The mass talk plan was viewed as significant for two reasons: All parties involved in the negotiations would know exactly what was going on. The full range of negotiable natters, including pensions and insurance, could be put on the table.

Current talks have involved only wages and working conditions. Contracts covering pensions and insurance haven’t expired.

URW members from Firestone and Goodrich plants say they don’t want to face another strike in three months. And they say there is nationwide sentiment for wrapping the whole thing up in one sitting.

URW President Peter Bommarito rejected the companies’ offer of wage increases in a two year package plus other improvements, saying it was worth about 2.5 per cent and most settlements in the last year or so had been in the 5 per cent range.

Bommarito has been saying that the companies just aren’t bargaining and Thursday went so far as to charge Firestone with just that, refusal to bargain, in a complaint to the regional office of the National Labor Relations Board in Cleveland.

The Rubber Companies have a mutual pact which calls for the firms not struck to give financial help to the ones that are. Bommarito said the industry has taken its pact to the bargaining table.

Union insiders admit they haven’t been able to exert much economic pressure on the companies because of the pact. But they say the real problem is that because of the pact the companies first have to negotiate with each other and reach agreement on what to offer before they can talk at the tables.

The massed meeting would eliminate this type of union griping, URW sources say. It would put everyone face to face with most decisions made on the spot or in adjacent caucus rooms.

The URW has been negotiating with Goodyear and UniRoyal in Cincinnati, Firestone and General in Cleveland and Goodrich in Columbus. The industry-wide meeting would have been in a neutral city, Pittsburgh.

Locally, the picketing has remained calm at the gates of the Footwear, Chemical and Synthetic plants. The striking workers have resigned themselves to no early settlement.

A few hopeful strikers rumor that work will begin next week, but tracing down the rumor, no

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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.

Goodrich Negotiators

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Goodrich Negotiators

Goodrich Negotiators

6-5-67 [handwritten]

Continued From Page 1

basis can be found for the story.

No negotiating sessions were held last week for the first time since the strike was called April 20. Both sides met separately to discuss the situation.

The lack of income is beginning to touch all striking workers and the borough in general. URW members were buying merchandise to work on homes and yards in the first weeks of the strike but now are beginning to be cautious with their savings.

UniRoyal Strike Could End This Week-End

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UniRoyal Strike Could End This Week-End

6-8-67 [handwritten]

A very reliable source told the NEWS this morning that the strike could be settled over the weekend; and, if not, by the middle of next week.

Matters seem to be coming to a head with both management and union making proposals.

Our source also informed us that under a three year contract offered by the company, pension payments, both for new and retired employees would be increased to $4.75 a month per year of service (not $5.25 a month as was stated yesterday). This would be an increase of $1.50 from the present $3.25.

The United Rubber Workers Union will cut their striker’s

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Borough Will Request Aid In Ending Strike

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Borough Will Request Aid In Ending Strike

6-7-67

NAUGATUCK— Mayor Joseph C. Raytkwich has been empowered to seek the aid of Gov. John Dempsey in bringing about a settlement in the Uniroyal-United Rubber Workers negotiations.

The board, during its Tuesday meeting, unanimously passed Third Ward Burgess Edward McGrath’s motion seeking the governor’s aid.

The Republican burgess cited the “potentially permanent and serious effect” the seven-week strike could have on the economy of the borough if it continued any longer.

Following passage of the motion, Mayor Raytkwich said that he would contact Gov. Dempsey “as soon as possible.”

Although the governor c about a settlement, it is possible that he could persuade the two groups to settle.

Amid scattered rumors that a settlement could be effected Thursday, press services reported Tuesday that negotiations with three maor tire producers, including Uniroyal, were in recess until Thursday with the union considering a three-year contract offer.

Attempts to contact union negotiators failed Tuesday. An unidentified person answering one negotiator’s telephone late Tuesday night reported that the negotiator was in a meeting and would be there “for several hours.”

A management negotiator contacted at the same time said that talks were recessed until Thursday, but not because the union was considering a management offer.

He claimed that the URW’s legal counsel died Monday, and that many of the union members planned to attend the funeral.

Press services reported that management’s offer of a three-year contract was made Monday by Firestone, Goodyear and Uniroyal. B. F. Goodrich made a similar offer Tuesday. General Tire and Rubber was expected to make its offer later this week.

United Rubber Workers negotiators said the proposed new contract would give tire plant workers, who now average $3.30 to $3.60 an hour, a 38-cent hourly raise in three yearly steps— 16 cents in the first year and 11 cents in each of the last two years.

Nontire plant workers would get 13-9-9, for a total of 31 cents.

Company officials said their offer added up to 60 to 73.5 cents an hour, including fringe benefits such as pensions and insurance.

The union has separate agreements on pensions and insurance that do not expire until Sept. 15. The companies reportedly offered to increase their monthly payments into the pension fund from $3.25 to $5.25 per employe, with commensurate increases in amounts paid retired workers.

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UniRoyal 6-8-67

Continued From Page 1

benefit checks to $15 starting next week in order to “continue giving financial assistance to our brothers and sisters on strike for a longer period of time…”

Negotiations were not held yesterday at official headquarters because the union was considering a proposed three-year contract offer, and because many of the negotiators attended the funeral of the union’s legal counsel.

In the borough, many believe the strike will be settled within a week; while others still cling to the thought that settlement is a long time off.

Mayor Joseph C. Raytkwich, acting upon a motion made at the Borough Board meeting Tuesday, has written to Governor John Dempsey. Borough officials are hoping that Dempsey’s influence will have some weight in effecting a speedy strike settlement.

The Naugatuck Police Department has spent a total of 1,496 overtime hours at the UniRoyal Plant since the calling of the strike.

To June 2, these overtime hours have cost the borough $4,673.24. The Police Department is keeping detailed financial reports for periodic presentation to the Board of Finance.

Waterbury’s Welfare Department estimated yesterday that the UniRoyal strike may cost the city $20,000 in gross benefits.

Of 140 striking families that have applied there for welfare, only 10 are presently receiving aid. Others were denied because they have other income or assets.

The Waterbury Welfare Superintendent said that if the strike is prolonged for any length of time, the number of people eligible for welfare assistance could reach 1,000 in the city.

60-Cent-An-Hour

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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.

Rubber Strike 60-Cent-An-Hour, 3-Year Pact Offer Submitted To URW

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Rubber Strike

6-7-67

60-Cent-An-Hour, 3-Year Pact Offer Submitted To URW

The five major rubber companies have offered a single package wage, pension and welfare proposal estimated to cost more than 60 cents an hour over a three year period to the United Rubber Workers Union, it was reported today.

A breakdown of the proposal shows the contract will call for a pay boost of 38 cents an hour for tire workers and 31 cents for none-tire workers. This offer is being studied by URW negotiators.

A settlement of the 47-day old strike, if it comes, is considered unlikely before tomorrow.

The contract-renewal plan, lumping together for the first time in the industry pension and welfare benefits with wage increases, was proposed by Uni-Royal, Goodyear and Firestone Monday. Goodrich and General Tire joined the move yesterday.

Present three-year pension and welfare contracts aren’t due to expire until September. But the proximity of the two rounds of negotiations was said to be blocking a wage agreement alone. Evidence increased last week, however, that the union had become less adamant about keeping the two contracts separate.

A three-year contract as proposed by the companies, rather than a two-year offer, might still be an obstacle to an early settlement.

The proposed pay boosts for tire workers would break down to 16 cents an hour the first year with 11 cent increases in each of the two succeeding years. Other production workers (this is of interest locally) pay rates would be raised 13 cents the first year and nine

cents each of the two following years.

The proposed package, including pension and welfare benefits, would amount to an hourly increase of about five per cent.

Peter Bommarito, president of the International URW, rejected a previous proposal which would boost the pay rate of tire workers 23-1/2 cents an hour and non-tire workers 18 cents an hour over two years. He termed this boost as inadequate and only about 2-1/2 per cent.

Under the new proposal, the companies would lift the pension payments, both for new and retired to $5.25 a month each year of service, and increase of $2 from the present $3.25. Improvements are also included for insurance and vacations as well as broader pay-boost differentials for skilled trandesmen workers who perform maintenance tasks on rubber goods production equipment. This had been a key issue in the URW contract demands.

Further liberalization is also included in the contract proposal for supplementary unemployment benefit payments. The amount wasn’t disclosed, but it is understood that it fell short of the URW bid.

Talks between the union and companies negotiating teams, will be recessed today so that the package can be studied and to permit union officers to attend the funeral of Garnet L. Patterson, URW general counsel, who died Saturday. It is doubtful, however, that the proposal will be accepted without several counter proposals be-

Please Turn to Page 12

Rubber Firms Offer Striking Union a Pact Combining Pay, Pension, Welfare Benefits

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6-7-67

Rubber Firms Offer Striking Union a Pact Combining Pay, Pension, Welfare Benefits

By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter

AKRON—A single-package wage, pension and welfare proposal estimated to cost more than 60 cents an hours over three years was received by the United Rubber Workers Union from the five major rubber companies.

The contract proposal, calling for pay boosts tataling 38 cents an hour for tire workers and 31 cents an hour for nontier workers, is being studied by URW negotiators. A settlement of the 47-day strike against three of the concerns, if it comes, is considered unlikely before tomorrow. Acceptance of the proposal would almost surely be followed by price boosts on tires and other rubber products.

The contract-renewal plan, lumping together for the first time in the industry pension and welfare benefits with wage increases was proposed by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. and Uniroyal Inc. Monday. B. F. Goodrich Co. and General Tire & Rubber Co. joined the move yesterday.

Strike Began April 21

About 51,000 URW members have been on strike since April 21 against Firestone, Uniroyal and Goodrich, following expiration of a two-year wage contract. Production has continued, however, at Goodyear’s plants, whose contract also expired April 20, and at two General Tire plants, where contracts ran out May 15.

Present three-year pension and welfare contracts aren’t due to expire until September. But the time proximity of the two rounds of negotiations was said to be a block to a wage agreement alone. Evidence increased last week, however, that the union had become less adamant about keeping the two contracts separate.

A three-year contract, as proposed by the companies, rather than a two-year offer, might still be an obstacle to an early settlement.

The proposed pay boosts for tire workers would break down to 16 cents an hour the first year with 11 cent increases in each of the two succeeding years. For other production workers, pay rates would be lifted 13 cents in the first year and 9 cents in each of the two following years.

Average hourly wages of tire workers is about $3.69 and those of other production workers about $2.68. The proposed package, including pension and welfare benefits, would amount to an hourly cost increase of about 5%.

Previous Offer Rejected

An ealier proposal covering only wages was made by Goodrich, Uniroyal and Firestone prior to the strike it called for tire-worker pay boosts of 23½ cents an hour and increases for other workers of 18 cents an hour over two years. Peter Bommarito, URW international president, put these boosts at 2½% and termed them inadequate.

Under the new proposal, the companies would lift pension payments, both for new and present retirees, to $5.25 month for each year of service, an increase of $2 from the present $3.25. Improvements are also included for insurance and vacations as well as broader pay-boost differentials for skilled tradesmen—workers who perform maintenance tasks on rubber goods-production equipment. This had been a key issue in the URW contract demands.

Further liberlization is also included in the contract proposal for supplementary unemployment benefit payments, another basic issue in the union’s demands. The amount wasn’t disclosed, but it is understood that it fell short of the URW bid. This demand was an integral part of the union’s “full employment” program for gaining a form of guaranteed annual wage. The union sought to raise supplementary payments sufficiently to provide laid-off workers 95% of their normal straight-time pay. Present payments provide for up to 65% off such pay.

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

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4/11/67

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

◇

By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Union Says Tire Firms’ Strike-Aid Pact Creates ‘Doubt’ on Good Faith

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Union Says Tire Firms’ Strike-Aid Pact Creates ‘Doubt’ on Good Faith

4/12/67

By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter

AKRON — Peter Bommarito, international president of the United Rubber Workers Union, said disclosure this week by the five major rubber companies of a mutual assistance to share costs if any of them is struck creates a doubt about their good faith.”

Four of the concerns, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., Uniroyal Inc. and B. F. Goodrich Co., now are in contract renewal negotiations with the union. Present contracts expire April 20. General Tire & Rubber Co. begins talks with the union later this month to renew a contract expiring May 15.

“The Big Five rubber companies have a far greater responsibility to the public and to their employes than they have to each other,” he contended. “After all, the Big Five are supposed to be competitors with each other.”

The rubber companies’ mutual assistance agreement was signed April 1, prior to start of contract negotiations. Mr. Bommarito said the union “is determined to continue its efforts to reach a realistic and reasonable settlement through honest and sincere collective barbaining.”

The rubber companies’ agreement provides that should any of the five be hit by a work stoppage it would receive “substantial” financial assistance from the others, primarily covering fixed operating costs.

By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter

AKRON — Production at the General Tire & Rubber Co. Akron plant was closed down by a walkout of 60 workers in the mill room, causing the idling of some 1,800 employes.

The mill room workers, members of Local 9 of the United Rubber Workers Union, left their jobs Monday in a dispute over relief time. Closedown of the mill room, where rubber and chemicals are mixed for production of finished products, principally tires, caused the idling of other production workers, a company spokesman said.

Officers of the local are urging the striking members to return to their jobs, but the dispute remained unresolved yesterday.

Union, Uniroyal Talks Continuing In Cincinnati

by

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.

Officials Mum On Rubber Talks

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Officials Mum On Rubber Talks

4-20-67 [handwritten]

AKRON, Ohio (UPI) — Negotiations continued today between the nation’s four major rubber companies and the United Rubber Workers Union URW on a new contract to replace the pact expriring at midnight tonight.

Both sides refuse to comment on any progress in the talks which would affect some 78,000 workers. The outcome of the talks would influence General Tire’s contract expiring May 15 and a number of smaller firms having a total of 100,000 workers.

The four companies negotiating contracts at present are Goodyear, UniRoyal, Firestone and Goodrich.

The rubber industry has been hit by only two major strikes since 1947. The largest one was several years ago when a walkout lasted for 51 days. The last company-wide strike affecting a major rubber firm was a six-day walkout against UniRoyal in 1965.

The new president of the 175,000-member URW, Peter Bommarito, contends he does not want to strike but since taking office last September, he has given the URW a more militant appearance, visiting locals around the country and taking a personal hand in negotiations.

His militancy has caused the big five companies to form a mutual aid pact for the first time in their history. The plan calls for providing substantial financial aid to any member hit by a strike.

Goodyear and UniRoyal negotiations are being held at Cincinnati while Firestone’s contract is being discussed in Cleveland and Goodrich at Columbus.

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.

Naugatuck Rubber Workers Join Nation-Wide Strike

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Naugatuck Rubber Workers Join Nation-Wide Strike

4-21-67 [handwritten]

About 5,500 members of the United Rubber Workers struck the UniRoyal plant at Naugatuck as part of a nation-wide strike against three of the Big Four rubber companies. Contracts expired at midnight.

More than 50,000 union jobs were affected by the action — the first comapny – wide strike since 1965 when the rubber workers manned picket lines against the U.S. Rubber Co., now UniRoyal.

The companies affected are Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., B. F. Goodrich Co. and Uni-Royal.

The Sponge Products Division of B. F. Goodrich in Shelton is not affected. Employes are not covered by union contract.

Shortly after midnight the three locals at Naugatuck set up about 15 pickets at gates of the company’s three divisions —footwear, chemical and synthetic. The locals said the pickets would continue through today and then daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until a contract agreement is reached.

Word of the breakdown in Firestone negotiations came at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday. The Goodrich strike was announced shortly after midnight, and Uniroyal was struck a few minutes later.

Picket lines across the coun-

PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 11

Strike—

Continued from Page 1

try were manned, according to a URW spokesman, while negotiations continued with Goodrich early today.

The union said Firestone officials were willing to renew negotiations today, but a company spokesman had no comment on the statement.

No talks were planned in the Uniroyal dispute.

Negotiators for about 21,250 workers at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. voted to continue work on a day-to-day basis. Sessions were scheduled to resume with Goodyear at 10 a.m. today.

The four rubber companies and the General Tire and Rubber Co. agreed, effective April 1, that they would give mutual aid to any one of the five struck by the rubber workers.

General’s contract expires May 15. Negotiations got under way Monday in Cleveland.

The union continued its joint policy with the rubber industry of not releasing details of negotiations until bargaining is completed.

When negotiations began last month, however, the rubber workers said its goals included a “substantial wage increase,” plus increases in skilled trades rates, elimination of “unwarranted wage differentials” and a “full employment earnings program.”

The earnings program as outlined by the union would boost benefits for laid-off workers to 92½ per cent of regular pay.

The union said the program could be financed by raising the employer’s contribution from the present five cents to seven cents an hour per worker.

The supplemental unemployment benefits now pay up to 65 per cent of the laid-off worker’s regular pay for 26 weeks, union researchers estimate.

Present wages range from $3.25 to $3.35 an hour for semi-skilled or unskilled labor. A URW spokesman said recent U.S. government reports indicate the tire and tube division employes, considered the highest paid in the industry, make about $3.67 an hour.

UniRoyal Struck

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UniRoyal Struck

Continued from page 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Local also reported everything was orderly this

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

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

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

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

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

[Left column]

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

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

UniRoyal this morning issued the following statement on the strike:

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

Please Turn to Page 12

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