Evening star., 1934-07-24
RAYON YARNP[ANT
TO REMAIN CLOSED
Tubize ChatiIIon Corpora
ton at HopeWeII to Stop
Manufacturing.
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
HOPEWELL, Va. July 24.-The
Tubize- -Chatillon Corp. today an
nounced it had decided to stop manu-
featuring artificial silk yarn at its
strike-closed Hopewell plant.
The announcement was made in
communication from j. E. Bassill of
New York. president. to Miss Anna
Weinstock, United States Labor De-
partment commissioner OF concilia-
ton.
President Bassill said the decision
was made because the strike which
began June 29 has so heavily damaged
materials and equipment, and because
chronological developments and busi-
ness conditions are unfavorable TO the
continuance of the nitrocellulose pro-
cess in the Hopewell plant.
Situation Reviewed.
I'm reviewing the situation which
confronts us with respects to the man
ufacture of nitrocellulose yarn, and
taking into consideration the manner
in which this plant was closed the ex-
pense of reopening it, the time involved
before a satisfactory quality production
can be reached, the stock of yarn on
hand, present low selling prices and
the relatively high cost of production
brought about largely by increased
labor and raw materials costs, We have
reluctantly concluded that our stock
holders interests would not permit the
reopening of the plant for the manu-
facture of yarn" the letter said.
The letter referred to the strike as
a force out" of plant employees re
sulting from a raid sponsored by
union sympathizers." The controversy
started when the plant refused to re-
employ discharged workmen. whom
union representatives say were fired
because of union affiliation. The plant
management contended 1t did not
know whether the men were members
of the union or not.
When the strike occurred the plant
pay roll numbered approximately
1850. Potential employment of the
plant in full operation was $500.
Mr.. Bassill said with respect to
the operation of our knitting, dyeing
and finishing plant, We are prepared
to i've serious consideration to a re-
sumption of activities in these de-
partments as soon as business condi-
tions permit
The knitting, dyeing and finishing
plant is said to employ about 20.
Follows Conference.
Today's announcement followed a
conference in New York yesterday,
Miss Weinstock, Mr.. Bassill and Ray
mond S. Burrows. Hopewell plant
manager. Previously the management
asked for time to survey the costs in
volVed in reopening the plant.
Mr.. Bassill said the Tubize Corp.
was the third largest producer of
rayon yarn in America. and that the
Hopewell plant was the only one of
its kind in the country. The factory
was built at cost of $4,000, 900, and
has been in continuous operation for
13 years.
Having maintained continuous op-
Grafton in our Hopewell plant since
May of 1921, and feeling a Just pride
IN the caliber of the organization
which we were successful in develop
ing over a period of the past 13 years,
1t is a matter of deep and sincere re-
gret that We announce our decision
not to reopen our yarn plant but we
believe it would be unfair to leave our
loyal employees in ignorance regarding
the true situation now that we have
been forced to make this decision. AS
stated in our letter of July IL Mr..
Burrows will be glad to arrange a
conference with you when he will
meet duly appointed representatives
of our employees and acquaint them
with the facts" the letter said in
conclusion.
Mr.. Bassill said the company's in
veStigations showed a majority of the
workers answering company ques-
ionnaire did not favor the strike.