1940 Press Photo United Mine Workers chief John Lewis steps down in New Jersey

With tears in his eyes, John L. Lewis (above) told his CIO unions November 18 at Atlantic, New Jersey, that he was stepping down as their leader to fulfill his pre-election pledge. "I won't be with you long. I have done my work," he told hushed delegates to the third national convention of the Congress of Industrial Organizations.

Photo is dated 1940.

Photo measures 7 x 9.25 inches.