Item 5: TWUA: Crystal Lee Sutton

Photo of Crystal Lee Jordan Sutton shown on front of card with several workers in background. On front of card is this quote: "I knew this union was the only way we could have our own voice, make ourselves a better way of life." Crystal Lee. Printed on reverse: Crystal Lee Jordan Sutton (b. 1940). Born into a North Carolina weaving family, she became a dynamic organizer of textile workers in the landmark J.P. Stevens unionizing drive of 1973-74, in her native Roanoke Rapids, a "company" town. Textiles & clothing is the only basic U.S. industry not fully organized, despite a southern workforce of 700,000. "Brown lung," deafening noise, and low pay are among the argued issues. The Textile Workers Union of America * [*now the Amalgamated Clothing Textile Workers Union] targeted Crystal's town. One night during her shift she stood up alone to management and went to jail; but TWUA won the subsequent election & a contract. The company still refuses to comply legally and a widely publized product boycott continues. Martinsville, Ind.: Helaine Victoria Press, ca. 1979. 14 x 9 cm.

Format: Postcard.