Two-Way Stretch

Like the rest of the C.I.O.'s United Rubber Workers, the Norwalk, Conn, local was supposed to fight for a robust wage boost (25¢ an hour), pensions and other benefits. But when it started negotiating with the Norwalk Tire & Rubber Co., the union made a disturbing discovery: the firm, already in bankruptcy and operating in receivership, was so close to failure it might close up entirely if it had to stretch its payroll. At a special meeting last week, the Norwalk rubber workers voted, 124 to 45, to drop their demands and to take wage cuts averaging 11¢ an hour. Explained Union Secretary Caesar Malaterra: "Members felt it was better to keep working than to take a chance of having no jobs at all."