Peak at the Past

Here’s what made the news in the pages of the Nov. 9 and Nov. 16, 1961, editions of the Mat-Su Frontiersman.

Union negotiations start for MEA

Contract negotiations between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Matanuska Electrical Association are scheduled to get underway next week. According to Mason LaZelle, MEA manager, a number of specific items are being requested by the union, including a 5 percent increase in wages for all classifications listed. “The union refuses to bargain with the utilities collectively on a master contract, so we must all attempt to do the best we can to move back to a more equitable position,” he said. Other specific items called for discussion by the union include: The interpretation as to what is intended by “inclement weather,” discussion regarding equal distribution of overtime, include operations foreman in agreement, include new division headquarters in agreement. MEA is requesting a number of changes in the contract, many of which would avoid loss of managerial control.

Unemployment

rate increases

General layoffs in western Alaska coupled with construction layoffs in southeastern portions of the state combined this week to increase the insured unemployment rate to 9.1. The rate for a comparable week in 1960 was 7.9. Labor Commissioner Gil Johnson said continuing unemployment insured by state law totaled 3,057 workmen this week. The total for the same week last year was 2,423. The number of new unemployment totaled 868, up 46 from last week and 114 over the total for the same week last year.

New rifle range opens

Rifle shooting at the Matanuska Valley Sportsmen new rifle range will begin tomorrow evening, Noel Woods announced. Regular rifle shooting will be held on certain evenings at the range located in the basement of the Center building in space formerly occupied by the Army Reserve unit. Woods said that the pistol shooting program will be set up for either Wednesday or Thursday evenings. For the first time, it will be possible to have center-fire pistol shooting, he added. All persons interested in shooting are invited to join the organization.

It cost what?

In November 1961, you could:

• Buy four, 10-ounce packages of strawberries for 99 cents.

• Pick up a four-roll pack of toilet paper for 49 cents.

• Drive a new 1961 Falcon for $2,350.

• Clean up with a family-sized container of Tide detergent for 79 cents.