The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1946-02-11

~ @Ad4ORO MetOuc1lI puDuC relations
director of the American Brass Co.,
said that his companys position on
the management-union dispute was
"unchanged". The company, along
with the Chase Co., has made no
wage counter-offer to the union, on
the ground that OPA ceilings on
brass prices do not warrant an in
crease.
The Scovill Co., only one of the
Big 81 to make a wage offer pro-
posed an increase OF 10 percent, sub
Jec. to federal approval, with a fur
Their increase based on whatever
settlement is arrived at with Chase
and American Brass. This offer was
Withdrawn last week after rejection
by the union, but may be advanced
again tomorrow at the mediation
conference.
The local strike situation was fur
ther clouded today when it was
learned that the C1O unit at the
OakVille Co., Scovill division as
yet unaffected by the strike, has
rejected company offer of a wage
increase equivalent to that granted
by the parent company. The unit
has already voted approval OF a
strike, and the cooling off" period.
OPA Approval Needed
Rodney Chase, director of indus
trial and public relations for the
Chase Company said this afternoon
that any possible offer by the COM
pany hinges on OPA approval of
price increases for brass. However,
he said, company negotiations will
enter the mediation conference with
an open mind"
American Brass and Chase work.
erS today were in the second week
OF their strike. The Scovill strike,
which began on Wednesday, will
end its first week tomorrow.
A steel strike settlement, expected
to be announced hourly, will have
a bearing on the local walkoutS.
More important, though, is the
wage-price pattern. changes in
which are due soon at Washington.
Greatest factor of all, it may de-
velop, is the brass industry price
situation, which will be clarified
after Wednesdays meeting between
OPA officials and the brass industry
committee.
Same as Steel Strike Seen
The Is ID cents an hour to be
asked by the union is the same fig
ure on'which the steel strike settle
ment is almost certain 10 be based.
1t Is in line with a recommended
ton by President Truman.
CIO leaders had no comment on
statement by Edward J. Birming-
ham, president OF the Scovill local,
that he is opposed TO sending
delegate from his union to the brass
and copper all-union conference
opening in Cleveland Thursday,
Other Connecticut delegates will
ask for q vote TO strike against the
entire industry.
P!cketing OF the big 3" plants
continued without incident today
There has not been single disturb
anee since the start of the strike,
MankOwski Expected
Approximately 1900 persons are
directly concerned In the local walk
outs. this figure including both
union members and others. Also out
are employees OF American Brass
Company plants in Torrington, An
sonia and Buffalo. n Y,
John J. Mankowskl. union leader,
Is expected back today from a meet
ing OF the international executive
board Of the MMsW at Chicago.
There sim has been 10 elarih-
cation Of the terms on which a
strike az the Bridgeport Brass Com
pany was ayeFted last week, Union
spokesman declined comment to-
day,
Strategy Group Named
Union strategy committees, IN
session Saturday. voted 20 set up
q 2S-member board 20 direct strike
activities. The Bridgeport settlement
was one OF the key subjects dts
eukSed AZ the meeting.