October to December, 1956, 1956

The proposed merger between the NAWU and the AMC is the main topic in the correspondence at the end of 1956. Items of special interest related to the merger negotiations include Mitchell's statement to the AMC International Executive Board (Oct 6), an exchange between Galarza and Mitchell on the negotiations (Nov 6, 13), a memorandum on a conference with George Meany to discuss the merger (Oct 16), and a copy of a letter from Gardner Jackson to NFU President James G. Patton, asking him to write George Meany to urge greater AFL-CIO interest in agricultural workers (Dec 26). There is a 12-page reply from Galarza to USES Director Robert C. Goodwin's criticisms of Strangers in Our Fields (Oct. 22) and a letter from UPWA President Ralph Helstein claiming that his union has complete jurisdiction over the sugar industry (Dec. 21)