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Thelma L. O'Brien Papers

This collection consists of materials relating to the life and work of Thelma L. O’Brien, an employee of Cone Mills’ Print Works plant who worked to encourage unionization there. The most notable items in the collection are three copies of a script for a radio address she gave in that effort, five years of contracts between the Textile Workers Union of America and Cone Mills, and several letters that provide examples of the mill pushing back against the union. Researchers interested in Cone Mills, local unionization efforts, or the perspective of an average mill worker who supported the union may find this collection useful.

Application for leave of absence
An application for a leave of absence from the Print Works Plant as submitted by Thelma O'Brien due to a request from her doctor that she take time off to rest.
Contract between Proximity Print Works and Textile Workers Union of America (C.I.O.)
This contract between Proximity Print Works and the Textile Workers Union of America details the agreed upon working conditions for employees as well as the policies for dealing with a violation of those conditions. It was in effect until a new contract was negotiated the next year.
Contract between Proximity Print Works and Textile Workers Union of America (C.I.O.)
This contract between Proximity Print Works and the Textile Workers Union of America details the agreed upon working conditions for employees as well as the policies for dealing with a violation of those conditions. It was in effect until a new contract was negotiated the next year. Attached to the contract are several notes with individuals’ contact information and notes about union business.
Contract between Proximity Print Works and Textile Workers Union of America (C.I.O.)
This contract between Proximity Print Works and the Textile Workers Union of America details the agreed upon working conditions for employees as well as the policies for dealing with a violation of those conditions. It was in effect until a new contract was negotiated the next year.
Contract between Proximity Print Works and Textile Workers Union of America (C.I.O.)
This contract between Proximity Print Works and the Textile Workers Union of America details the agreed upon working conditions for employees as well as the policies for dealing with a violation of those conditions. It was in effect until a new contract was negotiated the next year.
Contract between Proximity Print Works and Textile Workers Union of America (C.I.O.)
This contract between Proximity Print Works and the Textile Workers Union of America details the agreed upon working conditions for employees as well as the policies for dealing with a violation of those conditions. It was in effect until a new contract was negotiated the next year.
Envelope addressed to Thelma O'Brien from the Textile Workers Union of America
An envelope that contained copies of a script from a radio broadcast given by Thelma O’Brien on WBIG Radio on the importance of organizing a union.
Group insurance protection
A group insurance protection plan for Cone Mills Corporation employees.
Instructions to election observers
A list of instructions for election observers helping with union elections.
Letter from M.J. Gardner to Clarence Thore
A letter from M.J. Gardner of Cone Finishing Company to Clarence Thore, president of the local union, regarding an employee's complaint of violation of his rights as a worker.
Letter from Sydney M. Cone Jr. to the employees of the Print Works Plant
A letter from Sydney M. Cone Jr. to the employees of the Print Works Plant regarding an upcoming union election.
Letter from W.L. Thornburg to Clarence Thore
A letter from W.L. Thornburg, superintendent of Print Works, to Clarence Thore, president of the local union, regarding a position change for an employee in the Finishing Department.
Letter from W.L. Thornburg to Clarence Thore
A letter from W.L. Thornburg, superintendent of Print Works, to Clarence Thore, president of the local union, regarding discontinuation of the operation of the finishing machines in the Finishing Department on third shift.
Letter from W.L. Thornburg to Clarence Thore
A letter from W.L. Thornburg, superintendent of Print Works, to Clarence Thore, president of the local union, regarding two grievances submitted by members of the union and the company's explanation of why neither is justified.
Radio broadcast by Thelma O'Brien
A copy of a script from a radio broadcast given by Thelma O’Brien on WBIG Radio on the importance of organizing a union.
Radio broadcast by Thelma O'Brien
A copy of a script from a radio broadcast given by Thelma O’Brien on WBIG Radio on the importance of organizing a union.
Radio broadcast by Thelma O'Brien
A copy of a script from a radio broadcast given by Thelma O’Brien on WBIG Radio on the importance of organizing a union.
Rules for picket line
A list of rules created by the General Strike Committee of the Greensboro-Burlington Joint Board of the Textile Workers Union of America for picketing.
Strike duty card
A strike duty card from the Textile Workers Union of America.
TWUA songs
A booklet of songs relating to unions and strikes collected and printed by the Textile Workers Union of America.

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