Abel challenged McDonald for the president. Abel had served as secretary-treasurer since 1952 and been a longtime McDonald supporter, but Abel strongly criticized the Human Relations Committees and promised a return to militancy to win higher wages and benefits for workers. The election was a bitter one and took place on February 9.
Abel ran against McDonald for the top spot. As secretary-treasurer since 1952, Abel had been a loyal supporter of McDonald, but he fiercely criticized the Human Relations Committees and vowed to rekindle militancy in order to secure higher wages and benefits for workers. The election was intense and took place on February 9.