ROGER AND ME (DOG EAT DOG FILMS, 1989, 90
min. DVD)
Director Michael Moore, born and raised in Flint Michigan, embarks on a quest to interview
General Motors Chairman Roger Smith on the impact of the plant closures that would idle
30,000 auto workers at a time when GM was building new plants in Mexico. Finally catching up
with Mr. Smith at a Corporate Christmas party that was being held at the same time former auto
workers were being evicted from their homes, Moore tries unsuccessfully to appeal to the CEO's
conscience. A short (26 minute) sequel made two years later (1992) entitled Pets or
Meat: The return to Flint follows this film.
SOUTH OF THE BORDER (1995, 25 min)
A look at the impact of NAFTA on the American economy and American workers` jobs.
Produced by Frank Pina & Warren Leming.
THE STATE FUND STORY Growing with Arizona (1986, 16 min,
V-49)
Several employers and State Fund administrators from Arizona explain how their State
Compensation Fund helps them control Workers Compensation insurance rates and guarantee
coverage to high risk job categories. Starting with a history of the American Workers`
Compensation laws, the program explains how the Arizona law has worked and illustrates the
different plans and rehabilitation, training, and cost containment services that their fund
offers.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PREVAILING WAGE (1996, 18
min.)
A production of the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, this is a look at
state and Federal "prevailing wage" laws in construction. The term "prevailing wage" is defined
and the way they are calculated is explained as well as the historical purposes of such laws. And
studies are presented that verify the positive impact of Davis-Bacon laws on state economies, and
on prevention of cut-throat bidding, shoddy construction, and destabilization of local
communities.
THE TRUE COST OF NAFTA (1993, 9 min)
Produced by the Labor Institute of Public Affairs.
VOICES THAT COUNT (1989, 19 min, V-53)
Produced by the University of Minnesota and narrated by AFTRA member and veteran
announcer Dave Moore, this video is an Upbeat presentation of the value of unionization. It
shows the wide assortment of careers represented by unions including teachers, postal workers,
celebrities, pilots and steelworkers. There is a brief explanation of the collective bargaining
process including what is in a typical union contract, what a union steward does and how and
why unions are involved in political action. Also featured are interviews with Harvard economist
Richard Freeman and two different employers who prefer union workers because they are
considered more reliable, professional and more highly productive than their non-union
counterparts. A great organizing video to show non-union workers and audiences who don`t
understand the advantages of union representation.
WHEN CHILDREN DO THE WORK (1996, 26:44 min)
Shoppers may
be shocked to learn that highend products on American shelves are made by children overseas.
In this WE DO THE WORK documentary, we see 15 year old Honduran girls who support their
families by sewing designer clothing for fashionable stores in the U.S.; a report on six year old
Pakistani children who are chained to carpet looms; and a women's group protesting the use of
Bengladeshi child labor for products sold at Wal Mart.
WHO'S GETTING RICH AND WHY AREN'T YOU? (1996, 60 min)
A CBS Report first aired on August 8, 1996 with Harry Smith that reveals the realities of the
global marketplace and how they are hurting more and more American workers. Developing
countries are offering deals, including tax breaks and low-paid labor, that bottom-liners cannot
resist. The program looks at union members in Illinois who were defeated in long strikes that
ended with the companies making more money with fewer employees. A former insurance
salesman with six children is worried that he may have to sell his cars or even his house. A
woman tells of taking a 70 percent cut from $45,000 a year to $6.50 an hour. Another woman,
who was happy to make $6.50 an hour in a Van Heusen shirt plant before it ended operations last
year, is now trying to make do on $4.25 an hour. The mayor of what used to be a prosperous
company town says: "The whole country is going down the tube to Guatemala." On the other
side of the coin, Al Dunlap, who laid off 11,000 workers in the course of turning Scott Paper
around, defends his multimillion-dollar income by asserting that he earned billions for
stockholders and adds, "It's no crime to be successful." And T.J. Rodgers, who is switching
thousands of jobs in his semiconductor company to the Philippines, says he learned while losing
$20 million trying to keep operating in the United States that "you can't save a job that doesn't
have a right to exist."
WORKING TOGETHER: SATURN AND THE UAW (1994, 31 min)
Written and directed by Henry Bass.
STRIKES
AMERICAN DREAM (1992, color, 98 min., Prestige Films)
American Dream follows the true-life story of workers on strike in America’s heartland: Austin, Minnesota. In 1984, the Hormel Company saw a profit of $29 million. That same year they offered it’s Austin meatpackers a salary cut from $10.69 to $8.25 an hour and a 30% cut in basic benefits. The strike which followed pitted worker against management, worker against worker and even brother against brother. Now, enter the community as it is brought together and torn apart by outrage and discontent. This powerful film takes you to the heart of America – a heart that beats with anger, and a heart that beats with pride. Prestige presents a Cabin Creek Film Production of a film by Barbara Kopple. Edited by Cathy Caplan, Tom Haneke, Lawrence Silk. Produced by Barbara Kopple and Arthur Cohn, directed by Barbara Kopple. Distributed by HBO Video.
AMERICA'S VICTORY: THE 1997 UPS STRIKE (1997, 10 min.)
The Teamsters have produced this new short video describing the historic UPS
Settlement. Positive and very upbeat, it shows how they prepared for contract negotiations, and
organized their membership and community support for the union's bargaining proposals.
LABOR DISPUTE PICKETING: ORGANIZING A LAWFUL PICKET (2006, 34 min., DVD)
A set of two training videos produced by the University of Hawaii's Center for Labor Education & Research:
The Picket Captain (20 min)
In this training video for Picket Captains, we see Sandra, a first-time Picket Captain, getting good advice on how to organize and lead a picket line in a pending strike. The terms, picket line, gate and neutral gate are defined. Sandra learns and practices her role and responsibilities. The importance of planning and preparation are emphasized: how to sign up, schedule, train and delegate tasks to pickets. Good and bad examples illustrate proper dress, behavior, signs and ways to deal with employers, the police, reporters, and scabs.
On the Line (14 minutes)
Picket training video that explains the terms "strike", "picket line" and "gate" as well as the proper role and conduct of pickets. Good and bad examples illustrate proper dress, behavior, signs and ways to deal with reporters, the police and scabs.
LOCKED OUT! (1988, 53 min, V-31)
The story of the nation`s longest labor lockout and of 370 chemical workers` heroic
efforts to unite a national and international community against the anti-social practices of
German chemical giant BASF.
THE HAWAI'I NURSES' STRIKE 2002-2003 - Labor's POV (Olelo Series, Dec. 14, 2002, 60 min., color)
After putting up with years of neglect, the Hawaii Nurses Association (HNA) has decided that they are tired of being overlooked and will no longer endure the injustices directed at their exhausting yet essential occupations. 2002 became the year the nurses took a stand to achieve some of their much-deserved rights, valiantly striking over key issues such as the outrageous patient to nurse ratio and mandatory overtime. During this discussion with Stuart McKinley, HNA Collective Bargaining Organization Director Sue Scheider elaborates on the cruel realities that the nurses face, as they are trapped in a "viscous cycle." It is a constant burden brought on by their necessities of their jobs, illness exposure, and overwhelming hours that threaten the wellbeing of the very workers who tend and care for the sick and ailing. This video also features footage of picketers, commentary by a variety of nurses, and even supporters from non health-related unions, showing that the strike has started to symbolize a genuine movement for solidarity. Rarely do the selfless caretakers of society voice concern over their own health and conditions. After receiving their compassionate services for all these years, the time has come for the communities to take care of its nurses. Producer/Interviewer: Stuart E. McKinley
ON STRIKE: A WINNING STRATEGY (1988, __ min, V-41)
Produced by AFSCME, this video tells the story of a 1988 public worker strike in Itasca County,
Northern Minnesota, involving over 200 members in three AFSCME Locals (580, 1452, 1626).
The video describes the important steps needed to prepare for a successful strike. The
development of strike committees, spouse support hardship committees, media management,
picket line organization. Told by the workers themselves, the video not only describes the
detailed preparation and high quality of their organization, but captures the solidarity and pride
of the union membership.
SCREEN ACTORS GUILD “Raise Your Hand”(2000, 13:26 min.)
It’s a showdown between the actors and advertisers in this Screen Actors Guild presentation. With support from the DGA and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, the SAG launches into protests and a work stoppage to help leverage its needs for a contract that offers better pay. Consisting of numerous footage and clips from broadcast heavyweights CBS, NBC, ABC, and CNN, the montage of interviews and speeches of the 2000 strike features some of Hollywood’s brightest celebrities, like president of the SAG William Daniels, AFTRA president Susan Boyd, Elliot Gould, Noah Wyle, as well as mentioning sports stars such as Mike Piazza and Tiger Woods, who also supported the actors’ cause. Witness their efforts and solidarity, as the high profile names fight for their fellow union members who are not as successful or fortunate and must struggle to make ends meet with each paycheck. Written and directed by Timothy Black, who also produced this film along with Patrick Strong.
SMART STRATEGIES: New Ways To Fight For Our Future (1996, 9
min.)
Three Teamsters union negotiators look for strike alternatives and non-traditional strategies
which have proven successful in dealing with corporations planning to out-source, down-size,
and cut-back benefits despite over-all profitability. Examples of successful corporate campaigns
at Ryder System, a "bloody-nose" ad campaign against Farmland Dairies in New Jersey, and
community and international pressure used to stop a Dutch company with supermarkets in
Buffalo that was subcontracting and cross-docking.
THIS FAR BY FAITH(1991, 30 min.)
With low wages and working conditions eerily reminiscent of slavery fueling their growing unrest and utter dissatisfaction, the Delta Pride Catfish workers decided to strike for their beliefs, respect, and right to earn a descent living. Mainly comprising of single mothers, the work stoppage, which started in September of 1990 and lasted through December 14, was the biggest held by African Americans in Mississippi state history and drew national attention to the ever-widening economic and social stratification in and around the area of Indianola. Throughout the ordeal, the hellish injustices are repeatedly denied by the farm owners and stockholders, but like the cotton fields that once filled the land and which the man-made catfish lakes now cover, the worker’s situations are still marred by innuendos of racism, often manifesting themselves through brutal stipulations such as limited bathroom visits, non-rotational shifts that result in carpal tunnel syndrome, generally poor treatment, and an ownership body obviously disrespectful to its own labor force. Heroically, the workers persevere, and as the strike resolves, the words of Reverend Michael Freeman can be heard, echoing their hope “…The Lord did not bring us this far to leave us…and we have come this far by faith.” Narrated by Alfre Woodard, this We Do The Work documentary includes appearances by the president of the Mississippi NAACP Aaron Henry, Reverend and SCLC civil rights leader Joseph Lowery, and a music selection featuring B.B. King. Produced by Patrice O’ Neill and Rhian Miller. Copyright by California Working.
WOULD YOU CROSS A PICKET LINE? (1995, 12 min.)
Registered Nurses at Mercy Community Hospital in the small New York town of Port Jarvis
organize under 1199 (National Health and Human Service Employees Union) and show
indomitable resolve and solidarity as they strike for 6 months to get a contract. Permanently
replaced and demeaned at every turn, they held on courageously through it all, refusing to quit or
surrender their dreams for a just settlement.
LABOR LAW
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS (1995, 22 min.)
Produced by the Teamsters International, the first part of this video (16 min) recreates a
management presentation at UPS at which a supervisor pitches a new Team Concept for Total
Quality Management and self-directed work teams, illustrating the extent to which these teams
can be used to undermine the union and divide the workers against each other. After this
vignette, International President Ron Carey talks about employers` political and legislative
agenda (2.5 min), followed by a list of things union members can do.
EMPLOYMENT RELATED LAW (1996, 80 min)
Week 2 in the Spring
series of the Cable TV Series "You and the Law in Hawai'i." Panel discussion moderated by
Robert LeClair with attorneys. Mike Nauyokas, Dean Choy, Marylene Chun, and HERE Local 5
Research Coordinator Elwood Mott.
Topics: Employment-at-Will Doctrine, and the exceptions under civil rights and collective
bargaining laws as well as the union contract. Panelists review "5 Basic Blunders: 1. Failing to
take a charge seriously; 2. Excessive expectations for financial recovery; 3. Not seeking
professional advice immediately; 4. Not filing a charge/complaint; 5. Slanting the truth/omitting
the bad news." and a series of "Smooth Moves" for employers and for employees. Then the
panel responds to live call-ins on Hawai'i's Prepaid Health Care Act, Workers' Comp. and Civil
Rights claims, and how employment attorneys ordinarily handle and charge for
representation.
EMPLOYMENT RELATED LAW FOR PUBLIC WORKERS (1996, 80
min)
Produced by the Honolulu law firm Choy and Nauyokas for HGEA/AFSCME Local
152. the Cable TV Series "You and the Law in Hawai'i." Panel discussion moderated by Robert
LeClair with attorneys. Charles Khim, Mike Nauyokas, Dean Choy, and HGEA Business Agent
Stuart McKinley.
Part I (40 min)
Topics: Employment-at-Will Doctrine, and the exceptions under civil service, civil rights and
collective bargaining laws as well as union contracts. Questions fielded deal with assignment of
overtime, workplace discrimination, union dues and service fees, the future of medical
benefits.
Part II (40 min) A discussion of "5 Basic Blunders": 1. Not knowing your rights; 2. Not filing a
grievance immediately; 3. Not seeking professional advice immediately; 4. Excessive
expectations for financial recovery; 5. Slanting the truth/omitting the bad news. Also presented
are "9 Smooth Moves": 1. Know your Weingarten rights; 2. Do your job; 3. Move in a
imely
manner; 4. Consult a specialist; 5. Keep a journal; 6. Make copies of all documents; 7. Have
realistic expectations; 8. Exhaust your administrative remedies; 9. File for unemployment.
EMPLOYMENT RELATED LAW: UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I PROFESSIONAL
ASSEMBLY (1996, 80 min)
From the Cable TV Series "You and the Law in
Hawai'i." Panel discussion moderated by Robert LeClair with attorneys. Tony Gill, Mike
Nauyokas, Dean Choy, and UHPA Executive Director, Dr. J. N. Musto and UHPA, Associate
Executive Director John Radcliffe.
Topics: Employment-at-Will Doctrine, and the exceptions under civil rights and collective
bargaining laws as well as the union contract. Questions considered deal with the scope of
bargaining under HRS Chapter 89 and issues relating to UH negotiations, the UHPA contract,
the
uniqueness of the faculty bargaining unit. Panelists review "5 Basic Blunders" and "9 Smooth
Moves" and then discuss current union problems dealing with negative promotion and tenure
decisions; academic freedom disputes; non-renewal of contract as opposed to discharge for
cause; faculty retrenchment; and intellectual property rights of faculty; representation of
lecturers; and coverage for faculty under UHPA's Legal Services and Employment Liability
plan.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT: IT'S ABOUT POWER (199?, 13
min.)
A production of the American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME),
describing the union's commitment to ending both "quid pro quo" and "hostile environment"
sexual harassment. Women from an AFSCME unit in Durham, N.C. show how the union helped
them to combat the wide-spread sexual harassment there. Five action steps are given to women
who might be suffering sexual harassment at work.
TEAMSTERS: Stronger Than Ever (1996, 8 min.)
The Teamsters' efforts to reform the organization and clean up corrupt locals gives a new sense
of pride and empowerment to the membership. Trusteeships and steward education programs at
Local 966 in New York, Local 726 in Chicago, and Local 63 in California turn things around and
give power back to the rank and file.
THERE'S SUPPOSED TO BE A LAW…(1994, 12:19 min.)
Although the law protects American workers, many still fall victim to corporations and employers who insist on denying them from their basic right to form a union. Regardless of their occupation or background, it seems that employees from across the nation continually deal with businesses that strategically and illegally plan out anti-unionization efforts. This short film offers viewers with an inside look to some of the brutal and intimidating tactics that are often carried out by companies till this day, discussing the Dunlop Commission and their researching results on the decaying American dream. The special presidential panel addresses the declining standard of living and reports on the inefficiency of the legal system and how workers, while still providing essential labor, must suffer from repeated threats and harassment. Shocking statistics and several revealing testimonies help support the Dunlop Commission’s findings and consensus that the treatment of the American workforce is unduly cruel and must be reformed if our economy and nation is to be successful in a expanding global market. The film features president of the AFL-CIO, Lane Kirkland and is produced by the Labor Institute of Public Affairs.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PREVAILING WAGE (1996, 18
min.)
A production of the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, this is a look at
state and Federal "prevailing wage" laws in construction. The term "prevailing wage" is defined
and the way they are calculated is explained as well as the historical purposes of such laws. And
studies are presented that verify the positive impact of Davis-Bacon laws on state economies, and
on prevention of cut-throat bidding, shoddy construction, and destabilization of local
communities.
TIES THAT BIND (1995, 57 min)
An examination by the WE DO THE WORK Labor Television Series of workers' efforts to gain
representation in workplaces where employers oppose unionization. This one-hour documentary
probes management, government and workers' perspectives on labor law and democracy at
work.
20 YEARS OF PREPAID HEALTH CARE - Rice & Roses(1994, 30
min.)
Generally recognized as one of the most progressive laws in the nation, Hawai`i's Prepaid Health
Care Act is described and explained. Labor leaders and legislators, past and present, share their
views on the history and the future of health care reform in Hawai`i and throughout the nation.
Featured are interviews with State AFL-CIO President, Gary Rodrigues, Tommy Trask of the
ILWU, former DLIR directors Robert Hasegawa and Dayton Nakanelua.
