This file covers a period of fifteen years, beginning with the first constitutional convention in 1939, whose records include congratulatory messages, mimeographed bulletins, news releases, circular letters, and lists of delegates accredited to various locals and districts. The one reel of microfilm is a list of delegates to this first convention. Generally, the convention file includes proceedings, papers relating to preparations for conventions, and actions subsequent to the convention, as reported to the President and Executive Council by officers of the union and its subordinate units.

Other papers in the file are reports of credential committees; speeches by union officers and distinguished guests; reports of various standing committees such as finance, organizing, legislation, and education; resolutions and grievances of individual union members and of locals, which were brought before the convention; reports on strikes; and reports delivered by general officers.

Many papers in the 1952 convention file relate to a serious division in the union. Under the leadership of former Vice-President Gorge Baldanzi a large faction rebelled and withdrew because of a “Structure Committee” formed at the 1950 convention. The Baldanzi group maintained that the administrative power in the union was too centralized.

The remaining papers relate to such miscellaneous subjects as agenda, committee appointments, dinners and guest speakers, radio and press coverage, temporary offices, and housing.