April Lott: Keep up the fight, do not get weary in well-doing

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Guest Name:

April Lott

Guest Website:

https://scaflcio.org/about-us

Guest Social Media:

Facebook

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Supportive Documents:

April Lott, Vice President of the South Carolina AFL-CIO and President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3627, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast.

AFGE Local 3627 has around 400 active members but nearly 1,500 bargaining unit employees from the eight states that make up the Southeast Region of the Social Security Administration Hearing Office.

Lott spoke of the uphill battle she faces, not just from the anti-labor rhetoric but also as a black female in a union in South Carolina, the state with the lowest labor density. Facing the daily doubt of being a black female in a union has been a struggle, according to Lott, yet she believes this doubt has strengthened her resolve. She added that it does make things more difficult when the state’s former governor has spoken out against organized labor.

Despite the negatives, Lott mentioned her excitement to work with a younger generation that wants to organize. For the first time since she began organizing, Lott is seeing a younger generation that is active and interested in joining a union. Lott hopes this push will lead to increases and growth in organized labor across the region. Industries like fast food restaurants, hotels and other service workers are a part of a newer target for union organizing in South Carolina, according to Lott.

Listen to the episode to hear more of April Lott’s story and organizing efforts in South Carolina.

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