Why do you think, the IC must be grounded? The net connected to the GND terminal must be able to sink a few mA. The reason for using this circuit is clearly explained in the datasheet.
I understand the connection on fig 3, page 5 perfectly well...its just that the UC3844 datasheet gives no suggestion that prior to start-up, there is a conductive path to ground via the UC3844's VREF pin.
.....there has to be such a path, for the LR745's current to flow through.....and for the biasing of all its internal circuitry.