
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 6, 1992                   TAG: 9203060369
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: CATHRYN McCUE NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                LENGTH: Short

UNION SAYS HUBBELL CONTRACT TALKS NARROWING

Hubbell Lighting Inc. and the International Union of Electronic Workers are zeroing in on a new contract for about 295 workers at the plant, but negotiations could go either way, a union official said Thursday.

The three-year contract runs out Sunday at midnight, said Frank Rothweiler, who is leading the union's negotiation team.

After almost two weeks of steady talks, the sides are down to discussing the toughest economic issues - health insurance, wages and benefits.

"Tomorrow is going to make it or break it," he said Thursday.

Company executives were not available for comment.

Hubbell wants employees to start paying about $30 a month per individual for health insurance, up from $8 monthly, Rothweiler said. He blames the health and medical industry for forcing companies, including Hubbell, to pass health costs on to workers.

Rothweiler said the union and company are far apart on wage proposals. The union is asking for an increase based on the company's profits over the last three years, he said.

The union also wants the contract to provide for a "self-directed" work force in which employees take more control over the process of manufacturing.

The idea, he said, is that "supervision assists employees rather than directs them."

Union members are scheduled to meet Sunday to vote on a proposal, he said.

by CNB