50 Years Ago

Friday, July 23, 1971

500 Celanese workers off jobs in Rome

A quote “wildcat” strike by 500 Celanese Fibers Co. employees was continuing today, but the union would not comment on the walkout and the company contends the strike is illegal.

Also, Floyd County police reported several instances of vandalism in the company’s parking lot.

A union official of the Textile Workers Union of America (TWU) Local 689 refused to make a statement concerning the walkout. “We’ve got no problem, we’re all on vacation,”

Frank Baker, the union official, said.

The union man would not say when the “vacation” began.

“We don’t have any comment whatsoever,” he added.

The only comment the company had was a one paragraph statement issued today. Company officials refused to say anything beyond the statement.

“As of today there is an illegal work stoppage of approximately 500 hourly employees at the Rome plant of Celanese Fibers over worker assignment changes,” the full statement said.

Floyd County police reported there were three instances of vandalism in the parking lot of the company. Det. Sgt. Houston Freeman said tires were flattened and ignition wires were cut on three automobiles.

Freeman’s report added an employee told him the vandalism occurred Wednesday night when the wildcat strike started.