The landscape of labour documentaries has evolved significantly over the past fifty years, capturing the resilience and unity of workers in the face of corporate adversity. One standout film in this genre is Barbara Kopple’s “American Dream,” which recently received a restoration and re-release from Janus Films. This poignant documentary, set against the backdrop of the 1985-86 labour crisis in Austin, Minnesota, exposes the harsh realities of union struggles during the Reagan era and reflects a broader narrative about organised labour in America.
The Heart of the Struggle
In “American Dream,” a meat packer’s urgent plea—“We better start pulling together or, by God, they’re going to bury us”—resonates profoundly. This statement underscores the desperation faced by workers at Hormel Foods, who were caught in a tumultuous strike that saw the company exploit internal discord to replace a significant portion of its workforce. The film serves not only as a historical account of industrial strife but also as a powerful commentary on the state of organised labour in the United States.
Set against the backdrop of an administration hostile to unions, with President Reagan famously threatening to dismiss striking air traffic controllers in 1981, the film captures a critical moment in labour history. Between 1980 and 1984, unions lost an alarming 2.7 million members, showcasing a period marked by corporate resistance and a decline in union power.
A Legacy of Storytelling
Kopple’s “American Dream” is not only a sequel to her groundbreaking work “Harlan County, USA,” which chronicled the Brookside strike in Kentucky, but it also embodies the spirit of solidarity that has characterised labour documentaries over the years. The former film, celebrating its 50th anniversary, employs a raw, cinéma vérité style that immerses viewers in the struggles and triumphs of the workers. Through this lens, Kopple captures the essence of collective action, illustrating how solidarity can flourish even amid adversity.
Following in the footsteps of these seminal works, subsequent documentaries like “Final Offer,” which delves into the 1984 contract negotiations with General Motors, and “American Standoff,” which chronicles a Teamsters strike against Overnite Transportation, continue to explore the complexities of labour relations. More recent films, such as “Union,” which follows the Amazon Labour Union’s historic attempt to unionise a Staten Island warehouse, and the forthcoming “Who Moves America,” a portrayal of UPS drivers gearing up for a strike, reflect the ongoing relevance of these narratives.
The Changing Dynamics of Labour
These documentaries highlight not just the struggles of individual workers but also the evolving landscape of labour in America. Scenes of organisers rallying their comrades, workers voicing concerns about their families’ welfare, and the inevitable tensions at picket lines have become staples in this genre. However, these elements are more than mere tropes; they reveal the structured processes of union action and the predictable tactics employed by corporations to undermine workers’ efforts.
As the workforce transforms, the historical context becomes crucial. The striking miners of “Harlan County, USA” were part of a legacy marked by violence and sacrifice, a stark contrast to today’s labour environment. The film evokes the memory of the Harlan County War, a series of brutal strikes in the 1930s, reminding viewers of the high stakes involved in the fight for workers’ rights. Yet, modern companies often employ a different strategy, utilising part-time and temporary workers who may lack the deep-rooted commitment to unionisation seen in previous generations.
The Corporate Response
The evolution of corporate responses to unionisation efforts is equally striking. In the past, executives appeared combative and dismissive, as seen in “Harlan County, USA.” By the mid-1980s, however, corporate representatives exhibited a more polished, if condescending, approach. Fast forward to the 2020s, and we see UPS CEO Carol Tomé trivialising negotiations by likening them to domestic squabbles, illustrating a shift in the corporate narrative surrounding union action.
This nuanced portrayal reveals the complexity of today’s labour struggles. Films like “Union” demonstrate the ongoing battle against union-busting tactics, often led by consultants wielding PowerPoint presentations rather than the armed thugs of earlier decades. Yet, while these documentaries provide a platform for underrepresented voices, including those of immigrant and undocumented workers, they also highlight the persistent challenges facing unions in contemporary society.
Why it Matters
The significance of labour documentaries extends far beyond mere storytelling; they serve as both a historical archive and a call to action. By chronicling the enduring tenacity and resilience of workers, these films remind us that the fight for workers’ rights is far from over. As we witness the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by corporations against union efforts, the voices captured in these documentaries resonate with urgency, underscoring the importance of solidarity in navigating the complexities of modern labour issues. In a world where corporate interests often overshadow the plight of workers, these films are vital in preserving the legacy of organised labour and inspiring future generations to advocate for their rights.
