Harold McIver oral history interview, September 26, 1995
Scope and Contents
Interviewed by Christine Lutz: McIver talks about his family background, including his family’s move to Atlanta and his father’s dedication to the labor movement. Both McIver men worked at Atlantic Steel and were active in organizing. He describes the worker grievances and strikes. On the need to organize the J.P. Stevens textile mill, McIver says, “They didn’t have holidays or insurance or pension plan or things like that, and we [steelworkers] had them.” He candidly discusses politics and legislation including Ronald Reagan, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and Bill Clinton. He also explains where the movie Norma Rae differs from what he remembers. Importantly, he speaks about labor unions and their relationship with civil rights and religious organizations.
Dates
- Creation: September 26, 1995
Creator
- McIver, Harold, 1931-1996 (Interviewee, Person)
Restrictions on Access
Oral history available for research.
Biographical Note
Harold McIver was born on April 1, 1931 at his family’s home between Sylvester and Moultrie, Georgia. His father was very active in the Steelworkers Union. He worked in the steel industry and became a member of the United Steelworkers Union. In 1959 he was elected President of the Steelworkers’ Local. Later McIver became organizing director for the Industrial Union Department (IUD) of the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Unions (AFL-CIO). He was active in working for better labor relations and was present in the action depicted in the movie Norma Rae. Mr. McIver passed away July 15, 1996.
Extent
2 Item(s) (transcript (33 pages) audio (1:17:20 duration))
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Repository
100 Decatur St., S.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
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404-413-2881 (Fax)
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