**Source:** Unknown
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The above increases in wages and benefits togal about 70¢ per hour over a three year period. This is approximately a 5% yearly increase in wages and benefits for employees over the entire three years. It is the equivalent of the settlement negotiated in other industries which have been referred to by the Union as necessary to resolve these negotiations. It was the most substantial and costly offer ever made by this Company to the Union. This proposal was rejected by the Union late in the afternoon of June 6. The Union, in rejecting the above Company offer, made a counter proposal which excluded any consideration of pensions and insurances and held to a number of costly demands which were made before the strike started. Sincerely, Jack M. Smith Factory Manager The release of the letter, and articles read in the paper were the only announcements of the proposals the union membership received. No meetings were called to allow the general membership to express their pleasure or displeasure of the company’s offer. Local 45 has held only one membership meeting, since the members authorized the negotiators to call a strike. President George Froehlich, then complained that the company was not bargaining and only throwing “bits of silver” on the table. He said that the union was seeking decent treatment for the employes and also complained of the differential between tire workers and non-tire workers. Tire workers now average about $3.69 an hour while other rubber industry production workers average $2.68 an hour. The three-year contract is also said to be a stumbling block in settlement. Vice-president of Local 45, Raymond Mengacci, told the NEWS this morning, that he was aware of the letter, but had not as yet had time to read and digest its contents. He said that he will be prepared to comment on it after he has had time to study it.