If the AA changed its mind about organizing along industrial lines, Green and the AFL—which above all else respected each member union's autonomy—could do little to prevent the organizing campaign. The CIO approached President Tighe on April 15 and asked to speak to delegates at the AA's convention, but Tighe refused to say whether he would permit a CIO address. Fewer than 100 delegates gathered at the AA's convention in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, on April 28, 1936.
The American Association (AA) was hesitant to organize by industry, and Green and the AFL could not stop the organizing campaign if it changed its mind. The CIO sought permission from President Tighe to address delegates at the AA's convention, but Tighe refused to confirm whether he would allow it. A small number of delegates attended the AA's convention in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania on April 28, 1936.