Charlie Key oral history interview, October 4, 1995

Interviewed by Christine Lutz: Mr. Key talks about his family’s background in labor unions, their health problems resulting from foundry work, and his early work experiences after quitting high school. He discusses what Atlanta was like when he moved to town in the 1960s. Union politics and labor organizing were central to Key’s membership. He mentions the rivalry and differences between union vs. non-union labor. Concerning race relations, Key discusses the Atlanta Plan for Integrating Trades and the number of women and minorities in Local 72. In his position as President of Pipefitters’ Local 72, Key says, “I felt that we needed to integrate the office of the local. Time to organize females and blacks. I felt we needed to make them feel at home like they were a part of it.” He mentions the good influence of Henry Hollis Key, Staff Representative for the Molders and Allied Workers Union. Key gives his opinions on local and national politics and unions during the preparations for the 1996 Olympics. [These issues are also discussed by Stewart Acuff]