CHEM-TEXTS
Page 2 | Vol. 8, 1974
A first glance at 1974 isn’t exactly enthralling. This seems to be the nature of our times. The question is— what do we do about it? The easy way out is to merely ignore everything and involve oneself as little as possible. I would think that might be dull. With so many problems to choose from, there’s plenty to do for everyone.
We are still a long way from where we want to be and where we should be. One of the problems we face is that some of us can’t get rid of habits picked up years ago. Perhaps back then there was a purpose in doing things a certain way. With the changes in today’s society, the old ways must be challenged to see if they fit today’s situation.
For example, years ago it was the Company, and the Union. Today, we have—the Company, the customer, the Union, the Environment, equal opportunity, OSHA, the Cost of Living Council, the energy conservation and more and more. I think it is obvious that today’s problems must be met with a different approach.
One example that shows that things can be changed is our Safety performance in 1973. Although the proof of our good showing in 1973 will be how we do in 1974, only a changed attitude could have allowed a genuine improvement. Only a continued change in attitude will carry us thru 1974. Otherwise complacency will prevail and 1973 would prove to be only a “lucky” year.
Beyond Safety is work—not just work for the sake of work, but productive work where a job perhaps can be done differently or better than it is now. Only by improving our productive work, or if you prefer, our productivity, will we keep what we have and bring us to where we want to go. More productivity doesn’t necessarily mean harder work. To me it means to work smarter.
I believe we can prosper here, but prosperity doesn’t come easily. Each of us must find his own way to satisfy the demands made upon us in reaching and holding the goal. By constantly trying to find new and better ways to do things, we provide the prosperity we seek, but it also makes our jobs much less dull.
“When ideas fail, words come in very handy.”
Union Locals, Plant Approve Agreements
The plant and the URW Locals 218 and 308 signed separate local supplemental agreements to the Master Contract signed on June 11, 1973.
The agreement with URW Local 218, which represents Chemical, Reclaim, and Research & Development wage personnel, was signed on January 25. The agreement with URW Local 308 which represents the Synthetic plant wage people was signed on February 15.
Negotiations between representatives of the plant and the two union locals have been conducted over the past few months.
The local agreements supplement the master contract at the individual plants of the Company.
Clockwise, Joseph Rzeszutek, President of URW Local 218; Cyrus Blanchard, Secretary; Frederick Wintsch, Industrial Relations Manager; and George Allen, Employee Relations Manager; proofread new supplemental agreement.
New Tire Shredder Now Under Test
Arturo Cellupica, left, and Gerard Tortorelli discuss the new shredder.
by Gerard Tortorelli
One of the few in the U.S., a revolutionary type machine is now being tested by Reclaim Production to shred tires and tubes. The machine is presently located by the conveyor system in the Reclaim yard. A program is now underway to test the types of tires and tubes it will shred; how many tires it will chop in an hour; and how it will hold up under constant use.
Simple Operation
The tires are loaded onto a simple conveyor which drops them into the shredder and cuts them into small chunks for further processing.
Many Advantages
The machine has many advantages in that it is more compact, quieter, and is versatile enough to be used to shred other materials besides tires.
If the tests on the shredder turn out successfully they could revolutionize the present cracking operations and present new opportunities in recycling solid waste.
SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY
Scholarship Offered
The Uniroyal Chemical Management Club will again offer a $300 scholarship ($250 from the Management Club and $50 from the Larry Monroe fund) to a graduating high school student who plans a college education.
To qualify for the scholarship one of the student’s parents must have worked for Uniroyal Chemical at Naugatuck, Bethany, or Oxford for two years or more.
Applications can be obtained from the Industrial Relations department, Bldg. 84 or by a telephone call to Connie Antrum, Ext. 517.
The completed applications must be returned to Irwin Prager Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, on or before April 1.
The 1973 scholarship was awarded to Judith Dayner, daughter of John Dayner of the Lotol department.
Plant to Shut Down in July
The 1974 summer vacation shutdown for the Naugatuck Factory will occur during the second and third weeks of July.
The 2nd week starts on Monday, July 8, the 3rd week on Monday, July 15.
All employees with the exception of those assigned to essential responsibilities and operational schedules will be required to take their vacations during these two weeks that start on July 8 and end on July 21.
Details on department schedules and assignments will be announced as soon as plans are finalized.
UNIROYAL ZETA 40M STEEL RADIAL TIRE GUARANTEED 40000 MILES
A Whole new driving experience.
75% MORE HAZARD PROTECTION
20% MORE CAR CONTROL
12% BETTER TRACTION
than conventional 78 series bias ply tires.
DOUBLE (2) BELTS OF FIBERGLAS
DOUBLE (2) POLYESTER CORD PLIES
ADVANCE TIRE SERVICE
510 Meriden Rd.
Waterbury — 756-7205
FITZPATRICK’S, INC.
78 East Main St.
Ansonia — 734-3318
MEZZIO’S
792 New Haven Rd.
Naugatuck — 729-5988
POUST’S SERVICE STATION
144 Rubber Ave.
Naugatuck — 729-0433
FEATURES:
• 70 SERIES DESIGN (WIDE OVAL)
• POLYESTER CORD PLIES
• FIBERGLAS BELTS