union

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 Net Profits Down 2.1 Per Cent

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UniRoyal Net Profits Down 2.1 Per Cent

4-20-67 [handwritten]

Net profit of UniRoyal, Inc. declined 2.1 per cent on 1.0 per cent lower sales in the first quarter of 1967, George R. Vila, chairman and president, reported at the company’s annual meeting.

Net profit for the first three months came to $9,549,000, equivalent to 67 cents a share of common stock, compared with $9,752,000, or 69 cents a share in the same period in 1966.

Sales totaled $315,587,000 for the three-month period, compared with $318,886,000 a year ago.

Vila attributed the decline, which started in the latter part of 1966, to higher labor costs, lower automobile assemblies, lower housing starts, higher interest rates and a general leveling off of the economy, particularly in the U.S.A., Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Nearly a quarter of UniRoyal’s output finds its way into new automotive production and about 10 per cent is involved in such home furnishings as carpet yarns, latex carpet backings, Naugahyde upholstery material, foam rubber and plastic compounds for appliances and structural parts, he pointed out.

He indicated that the company’s outlook for the remainder of 1967 was uncertain and depended on trends in automotive and housing industries and economic condition generally at home and abroad.

Referring to the expiration of UniRoyal’s labor contract with the United Rubber Workers Union at midnight tonight, Vila said, “We have high hopes of concluding a mutually satisfac-

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quarter-mile.

UniRoyal Net

Continued from page 1

tory agreement.”

“Looking toward the longer range future,” he said, “We believe there is ample reason to be optimistic. Among the 12 top growth industries for the period up to 1980, industrial chemicals are listed in the number one position and rubber and plastic products in the number two position. These are areas where we are well placed with excellent products.

“In addition, we have a battery of new products now coming on the market which should enhance our growth in sales and profitability as the years unfold.

“By 1970 or sooner, sales should have passed the $1.5-billion-mark and by 1975 we should be beyond the $2-billion-barrier, with profitability well in advance of our current ratios,” he said.

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-

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Strike—

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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

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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

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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

Rubber

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Rubber

(Continued from Page One)

contracts for 108,000 workers or 60 per cent of the union’s membership will be negotiated this year.

A union spokesman said both hourly and piecework employes were involved in the negotiations.

The rubber industry has had only two major strikes since 1947 the longest in 1959 lasted 51 days.

Firestone employs a total of 17,500 at 11 plants in Ohio, California, Tennessee, Indiana, Massachusetts, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Illinois.

Goodrich has 10,000 workers at nine plants in Ohio, California, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Alabama, New Jersey and Indiana.

As the half-hour passed, phones in local headquarters rang incessantly with calls from workers wanting to know what action to take. At about 12:30 a.m., the final call to strike came in and pickets took up their posts following an orderly shutdown of machinery.

Uniroyal has 19 plants in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, California, Connecticut, Indiana, Rhode Island, Michigan, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio and Alabama.

Union representatives had met with Goodyear and Uniroyal in Cincinnati, Firestone in Cleveland and B. F. Goodrich in Columbus. There was no immediate word when negotiations other than with Uniroyal and Goodyear would resume.

The fifth firm of the rubber industry’s big five, General Tire and Rubber, began negotiations Tuesday, working toward a May 15 contract deadline. Company and union representatives refused to discuss issues, although wages were said to be the chief matter of dispute. Wages are also an issue in the Uniroyal talks.

A long strike could affect the auto industry and defense production.

The average pay for a worker in the rubber industry is $2.80 an hour. In the tire and tube facilities the pay is $3.76.

Contracts with the big five are generally the basis for negotiations with smaller firms. In all,

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Uniroyal Workers Strike Naugatuck Plants

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Uniroyal Workers

Strike Naugatuck Plants

4-21-67

By TOM NUGENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Others Strike

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

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

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

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

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

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

Naugatuck Rubber Strike Idles 5,000

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4-21-67

Naugatuck Rubber Strike Idles 5,000

By PATRICK KEATING
Register Staff Reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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‘There’s A

Uniroyal Talks Slated Monday

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Uniroyal Talks Slated Monday

4-12-67 [handwritten]

NAUGATUCK—The first day of picketing by the three United Rubber Workers’ Naugatuck locals—45, 218 and 308—passed very quietly, with no official reports of disturbances being heard.

Negotiations between Uniroyal and the URW were suspended throughout Friday, with the next session scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday.

As of Friday evening, picketing by Locals 45 and 308 was suspended at 6 p.m. for the weekend, with resumption scheduled at 6 a.m. Monday. Local 218, chemical plant personnel, continued to picket one gate throughout Friday night and is scheduled to continue today until 6 p.m. There will be no picketing Sunday.

The three locals joined other locals of the URW across the country shortly after midnight Thursday in a strike against Uniroyal, Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., and B. F. Goodrich Co. after a month of negotiations failed to produce contract agreements.

The fourth and fifth members of the rubber industry’s “big five”—Goodyear and General Tire and Rubber Co.—were not struck.

Although Goodyear’s contract with the union expired at the same time as the struck firms, negotiations continued in Cincinnati on a day-to-day basis.

Following the strike order from union officials in Cincinnatti, the three borough locals manned their picket points after machinery was shut down.

Third shift personnel in the local operation manned their posts throughout the night keeping spirits fairly high despite nippy temperatures.

Starting at 6 a.m. Friday, picket teams worked in two-hour shifts, permitting management personnel to pass through the lines. Although police stood by, the atmosphere was one of almost extreme calm as the teams talked and marched.

Both union and management negotiators for the struck companies declined to discuss issues, but sources said wages and a guaranteed annual income were the principal matters in dispute.

Uniroyal said management offered “substantial increases in wages and employe benefits” but the offer was rejected.

The average wage for a worker in the rubber industry is $2.80 an hour. Wages in the tire and tube facilities average $3.76 an hour.

Plants idled by the walkout included the world’s largest tire factory, a Uniroyal plant in Detroit which makes more than 10 million tires a year. About 60 per cent of them are sold to auto makers for use on new cars, the Uniroyal spokesman said.

Naugatuck’s Quiet Strike Into 2nd Day

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4-22-67

Naugatuck’s Quiet Strike Into 2nd Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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UniRoyal Strike Situation Quiet

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UniRoyal Strike Situation Quiet

4-22-67

The first day of the United Rubber Workers strike against UniRoyal, closing down the large plants in the borough, passed without incident.

Picketing was conducted in an orderly fashion and the company made no attempt not to honor the lines around the plants. Pickets were stationed at all gates by the three locals of the borough from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. yesterday.

Picketing was suspended last night at 6 p.m. for the weekend and will be resumed Monday at 6 a.m.

All’s quiet in downtown Naugatuck this morning with the air of excitement of the first day gone. The big question today is how long will the strike last.

Negotiators are returning to the borough from Ohio today with talks scheduled to be resumed Wednesday.

The strike order came to the borough from Cincinnati about 12:30 a.m. Friday morning. Within minutes of the announcement by the Union officials of the strike operations for closing down the plants began. White collar workers were allowed to pass through the lines all day yesterday.

The strike call came after weeks of negotiations which failed to produce agreements on a new contract.

Both union and company officials have failed to disclose the issues in a pact that no information will be forthcoming unless released simultaneously. However, rumors persist that the main issues are wages and a guaranteed annual income.

URW workers have struck three of the big five Rubber firms, UniRoyal, Firestone and B.F. Goodrich. Negotiations with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. have continued on a day-to-day basis. However, 500 workers at a Goodyear plant in North Chicago, Ill., walked off the job yesterday forcing the plant to shut down. Work continued at all of the company’s other plants.

The fifth firm, the General Tire & Rubber Co., is negotiating toward a May 15 contract deadline.

Strike

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Strike-

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bers of the rubber industry’s Big Four—around midnight Thursday as two-year contracts expired.

Most of the 21,250 rubber workers members employed by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., the other Big Four member, were on the job after union negotiators voted late Thursday to work on a day-to-day basis as bargaining continued.

Goodyear negotiating sessions are to resume at 10 a.m. Monday in Cincinnati where Uniroyal negotiators will meet Wednesday. Firestone sessions will be in Cleveland and Goodrich’s at Columbus.

Contract to Expire

A contract with the nation’s fifth biggest rubber producer, General Tire & Rubber Co., with 3,052 employes, expires May 15. Negotiations are under way in Cleveland.

A mutual aid agreement between General Tire and the Big Four went into effect as the rubber workers put up picket lines across the country, a company spokesman said.

Peter Bommarito, the union’s international president, criticized the mutual-aid agreement under which the two working companies would lend financial assistance to those struck.

The union has shown more militancy since Bommarito became president in September, and observers say apparently it is his full employment earnings program which is a major issue in negotiations.

The program would boost unemployment benefits from 65 to 92½ per cent of regular weekly pay for laid-off workers.

The union also is demanding a “substantial” wage increase, plus improved fringe benefits. Present wages for highest paid workers average $3.67 an hour, according to the union.

Uniroyal Talks Due Wednesday

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Uniroyal Talks Due Wednesday

4-24-67 [handwritten date at top]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UniRoyal Strike Quiet Here; Negotiations Tomorrow In Ohio

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4-7-67

UniRoyal Strike Quiet Here; Negotiations Tomorrow In Ohio

Picketing at the Chemical Division of UniRoyal has been “stepped-up,” according to an announcement made by officials of Local 218.

They report that pickets will be on duty “24-hours a day, seven-days a week.” Also that members will picket in three-hour shifts.

Local 218 began a buildup of picketing Friday when members decided to picket throughout the night and all day Saturday.

Picketing at the other Uni-Royal plants in the borough continued on a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. basis with members participating in two-hour shifts.

The presidents of the three borough Locals George Froehlich, Local 45; Joseph Rzeszutek, Local 218; and Edward Alves, Local 308; were scheduled to return to Cincinnati today in preparation for resumption of negotiations tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.

No incidents have been reported due to the strike in the borough. Picketing is being conducted in an orderly fashion and the company has honored the picket lines.

The presidents of the Locals returned to the borough over the weekend to inform officials of the unions what transpired at the negotiating sessions. However, no information has been released for publication.

AKRON, Ohio (UPI) — Negotiations with three strikebound rubber firms were scheduled to resume Wednesday while talks continued today between the United Rubber Workers Union (URW), and two other members of the industry’s “big five.”

The Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., B. F. Goodrich and Uni-Royal, Inc., have been closed by a nationwide walkout of 50,000 workers since contract negotiations ended Thursday with no agreement.

Negotiations continued today with the General Tire & Rubber Co. in Cleveland and with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Cincinnati. The contract with General does not expire until May 15. The Goodyear pact expired Thursday, but both sides agreed to continue working on a day-to-day basis.

A wildcat strike in the mill room at the General Tire plant in Akron ended when the URW agreed to send its men back to work tonight. The strike began three weeks ago when 64 workers walked off the job in a dispute over rest periods, forcing shut down of the plant.

Another wildcat strike against the Seiberling Tire & Rubber Co. in Barberton, Ohio, continued to keep 1,000 workers idle. The strike began last Wednesday over a dispute on work rules.

The chief stumbling block to a settlement with the big three struck firms appeared to be union demands for higher pay and a guaranteed minimum wage.

Spokesmen for the auto industry say the strike was not expected to affect new car production for several weeks. Inventories were reported to be sufficient to meet the needs of defense and aerospace production for some time.

340,000 Strike Three Firms In Rubber Union’s Biggest Walkout

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THE WORKER, APRIL 25, 1967 Page 3

Voice of Youth To Be Heard at May Day Rally

THE MAY DAY slogans of ending the war and draft, independence for Puerto Rico and equality for black Americans are bringing youth into participation and planning for the celebration.

A spokesman for the 81st May Day Planning committee announced that Jose Stevens, co-chairman of the New York area Du Bois Clubs will be a speaker. Blyden Jackson, Harlem Communist leader has been designated rally chairman by the committee.

Jackson, in describing the forthcoming event, said “The Jet Set Band is going to entertain. They are great. The band has been playing for young people and is quite popular.”

Speakers for the event will include Mrs. Grace Mora Newman, sister of Dennis Mora, now in prison as one of the “Fort Hood Three” for refusing to fight in Vietnam; Juan Mari Bras, secretary-general of the Puerto Rican Movimiento Pro Independencia, Chris Kearns of the Catholic Worker, Herbert Aptheker, noted historian, and Esther Carroll, trade unionist.

Barbara Dane, folk singer, will also be a featured entertainer.

The May Day celebration will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 1, at Union Square.

340,000 Strike Three Firms In Rubber Union’s Biggest Walkout

THE BIGGEST STRIKE in the 32-year history of the United Rubber Workers idled three of the Big Four tire manufacturers Friday as 340,000 workers walked out with the expiration of their contracts.

Peter Bommarito, president of the 159,000-member union, said prior to the strike that the rubber workers needed more money now “because the cost of living has increased so much in the last year.”

Bommarito cited the fact that productivity has increased and the profits of the tire corporations have skyrocketed.

The companies affected Friday were Firestone Tire and Rubber, B. F. Goodrich and Uni Royal, formerly the United States Rubber Co.

Negotiations with Goodyear were continuing past the deadline on a day-to-day basis but were reported to be shaky.

The union and the General Tire and Rubber Company, the fifth largest tire producer, began talks last week on a contract that expires May 17.

The strike, whose major issues are a substantial wage boost and increased unemployment benefits, was expected to be rough.

The rubber companies have stocked their warehouses with a three-month supply of tires, and union sources have revealed that the companies entered into a financial assistance agreement to aid struck companies in meeting fixed costs.

The strike closed down the three companies’ 39 plants in Ohio and 15 other states. The union has 75,000 members employed by the Big 5.

The union’s wage demand was not specified, but Bommarito said the workers who now receive an average of $3.30 per hour, were fighting to “bring our wages up to the level of our brothers in auto plants.” The average among auto workers is around $3.44, but they, too, are entering negotiations and will also be seeking “substantial” wage increases.

The rubber workers are seeking 2 cents an hour more for their Supplemental Unemployment Benefits. Management now pays 5 cents per hour per worker into the SUB fund, and the worker receives 65 per cent of his salary weekly during layoffs. This figure is SUB combined with unemployment compensation.

The raise would bring the payments to 92½ per cent of the worker’s regular salary. If he was not eligible for state compensation the SUB payments demanded would give him 95 per cent of his salary.

Work conditions are also included in this set of negotiations; pensions will be negotiated in September.

Bommarito indicated the ability of the rubber companies to meet his union’s demands by citing last year’s profits in the industry: Goodyear, $123.9 million; Uni Royal, $46.2 million; Firestone, $48.8 million.

Rubber Strike Negotiations Resume Today

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Rubber Strike

Negotiations Resume Today

4-26-67

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

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

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

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

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

AID REFUSED

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against Negroes.

4-26-67

AID REFUSED

NAUGATUCK (AP) —Pickets at the Uniroyal plant were getting wet in Monday’s rainy and snowy weather.

Company officials inside the plant discussed the situation, then offered some rain gear — one of the firm’s products — to the pickets.

But the strikers ignored the move. A union official arrived with a dozen newly purchased umbrellas.

Some 5,500 workers are on

Applications For Strike Benefits Taken

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Applications For Strike Benefits Taken

4-28-67 [handwritten]

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

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

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

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

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

Ohio Talks Continue In Strike At Uniroyal

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Ohio Talks Continue In Strike At Uniroyal

4-27-67 [handwritten]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Firm Offers “Inadequate,” Union Charges

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Rubber Strike 4-27-67

Firm Offers “Inadequate,” Union Charges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continuing Talks Give Hope Of Uniroyal Settlement

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Continuing Talks Give Hope Of Uniroyal Settlement

4-30-62 [handwritten]

By PATRICK KEATING
Register Staff Reporter

NAUGTUCK — Hope that a breakthrough in the stalemated contract talks between the nited Rubber Workers and Uniroyal may develop is being expressed by local employes of the rubber company as the strike heads into its 10th day.

The optimism is predicated on the willingness of both the URW Policy Committee and management of Uni Royal to continue negotiating sessions in Cincinnati Saturday and again today.

Normally, negotiations are recessed on a weekend. Therefore, the meeting Saturday and the one scheduled today are considered by the 5,000 workers who struck the Uniroyal footwear, chemical and synthetic plants here April 21.

Last weekend, the negotiating teams not only recessed for that period but stayed apart until Wednesday.

Failure to agree on clauses of a contract when the old one expired at midnight April 20, caused URW to strike the 19 plants of Uniroyal scattered about the country.

Both sides have adopted a set pattern against any public announcements on progress of talks. But second-hand reports indicate that hourly wage increases and URW’s request for a guaranteed annual pay wage of about 95 per cent of salary are the main stumbling blocks.

It has also been indicated here that representatives of the three area locals — 45, 218 and 308 — are in a settling mood. However, according to the report, tire plant workers of Uniroyal are still at odds with management over pay hikes.

Strike Benefits

Meanwhile, URW executive committees are setting up machinery so that local union members may receive strike benefits. Applications were accepted Friday and they will again be received Monday to enable the strikers to be eligible for weekly checks while the shutdown endures.

Picketing at Uniroyal’s Naugatuck Chemical Co. continued this weekend on around-the-clock schedule. At the footwear and synthetic plants, however, pickets were called off until Monday morning.

During the past week, management personnel was permitted to cross the picket lines. It has been reported, however, that this privilege may be denied starting Monday. Management has reportedly instructed personnel, if challenged, to withdraw without question.

Uniroyal Tension Increases

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Uniroyal Tension Increases

5-3-67 [handwritten]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Negotiations At Uniroyal Continuing

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Negotiations At Uniroyal Continuing

5-7-67 [handwritten notation]

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

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

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

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

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

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

UniRoyal Strike Negotiations Continuing

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UniRoyal Strike Negotiations Continuing

5-1-67

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

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

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

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

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

Picket Line Activity

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5-3-67

Picket Line Activity

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

Uniroyal to Resume Shipment Of Manufactured Products

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Uniroyal to Resume Shipment Of Manufactured Products

5-3-67 [handwritten]

By RAY FITZPATRICK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mariano acted on the request of Mayor Joseph Raytkwich.

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

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

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

Strike Will Increase Welfare Rolls

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Strike Will Increase Welfare Rolls

5-3-67

If the Uniroyal strike continues much longer the city welfare rolls will swell appreciably with strikers, Welfare Superintendent Peter Pocius said Monday.

Atty. Catherine DeLeon asked whether welfare payments to strikers constitutes “subsidizing labor.”

Pocius said Welfare payments are based on need and the reasons for it are not questioned. He pointed out, however, that the usual requirments that recipients be available for work must be met.

Al Maccarelli pointed out that Park Superintendent James Curtin has cited a critical need for help.

“I hope the strike doesn’t continue, but if it does Mr. Curtin will have some help,” Pocius said.

Pocius cited a case of one couple, both of whom work at Uniroyal, who applied for welfare in view of the strike, but were told to apply again next week.

He said five days before applying, the couple, which has five children, had received $140 in pay.

Pocius said strikers are being paid $25 per week out of the union’s strike fund. He said any welfare payments would make up the difference between the union payments and the regular standards of welfare payments.

The couple in question, Pocius said, protested not being immediately accepted for welfare payments.

Pickets, Police Scuffle At Borough Rubber Plant

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Pickets, Police Scuffle At Borough Rubber Plant

5-3-67 [handwritten date]

NAUGATUCK—At least two attempts by police to crash through picket lines at the Uniroyal Footwear plant failed this morning, causing office and supervisory personnel to return home.

The 150 persons, mostly women, who attempted to get through the Maple St. gate at 6:40 and 7:40 a. m. were turned away by the picket line, which was nearly three times the size of the line Tuesday.

However, no injuries of any type or any serious physical violence resulted, according to police. There were no arrests made.

According to highly placed sources, the picket line was increased when word was received from management that shipping would resume sometime today. The lines were set up at night, when supervisory and office personnel were reported entering the plant with suitcases, apparently planning on staying for a duration of time. No one entered the plant this morning.

Rumors Circulate

The increased size of the picket line lead to rumors that management may seek a court injunction restraining the size of the picket line. Fred Chapman, spokesman at the New York Office of Uniroyal, said today that he believed his legal department was checking into the matter, although he could not confirm or deny that an injunction was definitely being sought.

The presence of a photographer in the building, taking pictures during the police-picketline scuffle, added to the rumors of the injunction. Such photographs could be used as evidence in seeking the restraint.

Atty. William Larkin, counsel for Uniroyal operations at the Naugatuck plants, declined to “Make any comment whatsoever concerning Uniroyal.”

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

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

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

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

instrumental in sending the large number of pickets home

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instrumental in sending the
large number of pickets home.
The mayor said shortly after 10
a.m. that only two or three pick-
ets were at each of the factory
gates, ‘picketing in an orderly
fashion.’

Mayor Ratkwich said that,
since an early hour today, he
had been making an effort to

(Cont’d on Page 4—PICKETS)

Added Police

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Added Police

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

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

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

Pickets

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Pickets

(Cont’d from Page One)

contact Thomas Nelligan of the
firm’s industrial relations de-
partment, but his calls to the
plant were stymied. He was also
unable to reach Plant Mgr. John
M. Smith.

The Footwear Plant switch-
board is not open today, and the
heavy flood of calls had
swamped the alternate in-com-
ing phone system at the Maple
St. gatehouse.

The mayor said that there ap-
peared to be a good chance that
peaceful picketing would contin-
ue during the remainder of to-
day.

Police in Waterbury and Bris-
tol, where Uniroyal also main-
tains warehouses, said that the
picket activity was normal, with
no incidents. State Police at
Bethany Barracks said that
picketing was normal at the
firm’s Beacon Falls division.

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

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

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

Minor Scuffling At Struck UniRoyal Plants

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Minor Scuffling At Struck UniRoyal Plants

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

By RUTH NICHOLS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OFFICE WORKERS waited outside the Central Office of UniRoyal and across the street at the Maple St. gate this morning, uncertain of the next move. The pickers refused to allow them into the buildings this morning for the first time in the 13-day old strike. Shortly after the photo was taken, management announced they were to go home and try again tomorrow.

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OFFICE WORKERS waited outside the Central Office of UniRoyal and across the street at the Maple St. gate this morning, uncertain of the next move. The pickets refused to allow them into the buildings this morning for the first time in the 13-day old strike. Shortly after the photo was taken, management announced they were to go home and try again tomorrow.

—(News photo by Nichols)

43 Arrested in Strike

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43 Arrested in Strike

Clash at Uniroyal

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

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

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

(Sentinel Photo by Cotter)

Naugatuck Police Escort 200 Through Picket Line

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Naugatuck Police Escort 200 Through Picket Line

5-4-67

Other Picture, Page 13

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

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

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

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

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

Three of those arrested were Seymour men:

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

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

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

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

After treatment at the hospital, Finateri was released.

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

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

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

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

In Beacon Falls today there was no violence.

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

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

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

The company had not started shipping by noon today.

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

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

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

Rubber stockpiles are plentiful and no shortage is iminent.

TELLS PICKETS TO MOVE ON

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5-4-67

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

PICKETS were outenmasse at the warehouse building on Rubber Ave. to ensure no one or nothing passed through the line

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5-4-67

NAUGATUCK NEWS (Conn.) Thurs., May 4, 1967 – Page 7

PICKETS were out enmasse at the warehouse building on Rubber Ave. to ensure no one or nothing passed through the line yesterday morning. Early in the morning several scuffles kept the policemen on their toes but no serious incidents were reported. –(News photo by Nichols)

[Visible on protest sign in image: “UNITED RUBBER WORKERS ON STRIKE”]

43 Arrests

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43 Arrests

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

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

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

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

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

Please Turn to Page 10

HUSTLED UP Maple St. by Police Officer Thomas Hunt is an unidentified striker following a pushing incident in front of a Unioyal-Footwear Division gate this morning. The man was presumably booked on a charge of breach of the peace, one of 43 such arrests made this morning. The man resisted Hunt’s urgings and protested that he had done nothing. He lost his hat in the brief scuffle.

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HUSTLED UP Maple St. by Police Officer Thomas Hunt is an unidentified striker following a pushing incident in front of a UniRoyal-Footwear Division gate this morning. The man was presumably booked on a charge of breach of the peace, one of 43 such arrests made this morning. The man resisted Hunt’s urgings and protested that he had done nothing. He lost his hat in the brief scuffle. –(News photo by Jensen)

Uniroyal Warehouse In Bristol Picketed

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Waterbury Republican, Thursday, May 4, 1967—45

Uniroyal Warehouse In Bristol Picketed

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

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

Bristol

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mass Arrests In Borough

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Mass Arrests In Borough

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

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

43 Pickets Arrested By Naugatuck Police

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

43 Pickets Arrested By Naugatuck Police

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

The entire police force was called in, plus supernumeraries, to force their way through the 100-man picket line at the Maple St. gate, and provide a passage way for office and supervisory personnel. Office personnel eventually made their way in.

The first group, arrested about 6:45, had to be physically forced to the police station, across the street from the trouble spot. Only after Police Capt. Joseph Summa read the riot act in the state statutes over a bullhorn to the unruly crowd did the comotions begin to settle.

Women in the picket line and in the group trying to get into the plant began to cry as the tension mounted, and the evidence of possible physical violence rose. Police blocked off Maple St. to all traffic during the height of the scuffle.

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

Although police did not use clubs or other devices to restrain the picketers, several minor injuries were reported. One striker, Nunzio Finateri, 52, Union City Rd., was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury, where he was X-rayed, treated and discharged. According to hospital authorities, Finateri said he was knocked down in the scuffle, and complained of pains in his chest.

Several policemen and picketers were bruised in the clash, although there were no reports of medical treatment other than Finateri’s.

The pickets were firm about not letting any more members of management into the warehouse, a spokesman said. They will, however, allow those already inside to leave.

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The pickets were firm about
not letting any more members
of management into the ware-
house, a spokesman said. They
will however, allow those al-
ready inside to leave.

In addition to Mengacci, Blan-
chard, Pinho and Owens, those
arrested and released without
bond for Waterbury Circuit
Court appearance June 8 are:

Frank Rodrigues, 36, 119 Wal-
nut St.; John A. Gandolfo, 36,
Narcissus Rd., Middlebury;
Robert G. Irving, 23, 19 Lines
Hill Rd.; Ronnie J. Kezelevich,
23, 16 Melbourne Ct.; Robert J.
Mikulskis, 26, 29 Fern St.; Jo-
seph J. Foley, 40, 190 Cherry
St.; Michael Kalinoski, 49, 39
Fairchild St.; Franklin Mazu-
roski, 38, 63 Lester Dr., Water-
bury.

Charles J. Butler, 49, Mulber-
ry St., John Sharkey, 37, 17
Martha St., Seymour; Donald
Miles, 33, 84 Grand St., Sey-
mour; Henry Hook, 37, 167 West
Church St., Seymour; Francisco
DaSilva, 47, 20 Tolles Square;
Walter M. Scott, 36, 230 Pem-
broke Ave., Waterbury; James
R. Dowling, 23, 87 Quinn St.;
Guido Boschele, 56, Pond Hill
Rd.; Albert Gomez, 38, 40 Cher-
ry St., Waterbury.

James Faroni, 57, 39 Florence
St.; Joseph A. Sciarretto, 46, 19
Baldwin St.; Carl Ostrom, 32,
928 New Haven Rd.; John M.
Delcrosso, 41, 66 Greenwood St.;
Harry C. Chofey, 42, 13 Surrey
Dr.; Thomas Lagonick, 51,
Cande Rd.; William D. Mariano,
52, 31 Yale Ave., Middlebury.

John Brazil, 43, 51 Alma St.;
John Dillon, 57, 149 Wedgewood
Dr.; John Henao, 30, 194 Maple
St.; George Petro, 30, Bradley
Lane, Prospect; Nicholas Cesar-
ello, 53, 132 Norton St., Waterbu-
ry, Alexander Zdonick, 41, 57
Johnson St.; Harold Soucie, 40,
376 North Main St.; Lee Mat-
tocks, 37, 18 Winchester St.,
Waterbury; Joseph J. Kaczkow-
ski, 57, 106 Morris St.

John Cariello, 37, 19 Baldwin
St.; Hugh R. Garahan, 29, 21
Elmwood St.; Austin C. Cross,
46, 18 Lynn Circle; Ernest Kin-
sey, 31, 79 Dikeman St., Water-
bury; George C. Sporbert, 34, 19
Goss St., Waterbury; Earl C.
Matthews, 34, 8 Pond St.