9 Must-Watch Films to View this Labor Day

What we are breathing and experiencing is the result of the sacrifice made by people from the past; we might not acknowledge it, but one thing we cannot forget is that soon we will be in their place—because one thing is sure…the sacrifice we make today is to benefit a new society. Many people from the modern era consider Labor Day as a long weekend and get along with family and friends, but if one looks back to the inspiring reality that is the outcome of this day, it will make one understand the real merit of this celebration. 

Labor Day acknowledges the organized labor movement for justice among the workers who are the spine of building the United States, the result of which we see today in the form of the 40-hour work week, overtime pay, sick days and vacations, and holidays and safety measures. Cinema as a medium has always helped us edify and experience history artistically and realistically. Thanks to it, we can still witness the hecatomb and efforts people have put for us, and a small way to celebrate them. 

Below is a list of films that take us to that period related to labor that celebrates this country’s grapple, amalgamation, and heroism.

1. ‘Matewan’—1987

Cinecon Entertainment Group, 1987.

This story is about the sheriff of Mingo County, who decided to stand with the inhabitants of the town, not taking side with the coal company that had taken possession of it. In 1920, the incident was a focal instant in beginning coal miners organizing in Appalachia, urging patience in the coal company’s violent provocations.

Director John Sayles pays close regard to the attributes of the land. Chris Cooper, who makes his Hollywood debut with “Matewan” stars as a quixotic union organizer who takes stand against (Kevin Tighe), playing the villain Hickey.

Films of the 1980s are a setup of a definitive Western, and build to a bloody duel. It gives you insight on mining in America, and people who stand against the injustice of their unity. It also takes a look at how a change can impact the town and migrate workers.

2. ‘Blue Collar’—1978

TAT Communications Company, 1978.

“Blue Collar” is a classic film, and the story three Detroit autoworkers Zeke, Jerry, and Smokey, who make a plan to rob their union over their needs; when they get to safety, they find out the dark secrets on fake loans given by the corporation, and what happens next is what the story is about. 

The film was the directorial debut of Paul Schrader and backed by actors like Harvey Keitel and Yaphet Kotto. It gives a message on the harsh, heinous, and eventually despairing sight of anti-union endeavor that shows how power prolongs itself through the manipulation and destruction of the ineffective. It sears the inventiveness of classification and labor in the history of American films.

3. ‘Salt of the Earth’—1954

Independent Productions, 1954.

This 1954 story is set in a mine run by the Empire Zinc Company. Mexican-American labor is at disagreement due to unsafe work situations and different wages compared to their Anglo equivalents. One of the workers, Ramon, assists in arranging a strike. An instruction pauses the males from protesting; the result makes women find themselves on the striker lines, and their men stay at home.

The film was ahead of its time in its fronting of the Mexican-American constitution, its emphasis on racial and gender egalitarianism, and its intense portrait of unity in opposition strikebreaking stratagem.

4. ‘Hoffa’—1992

Twentieth Century Fox, 1992.

Jimmy Hoffa was one of the critical figures in union politics back in the ‘60s and ‘70s. The story follows four decades of his life, to his rise as head of the Teamsters Union, and his ultimate downfall, along with his mysterious disappearance reputed to be planned by the Mafia. 

The film is essential as Jimmy Hoffa was one of the most powerful union bosses at that time; the portrayal aced by Jack Nicholson is a must-watch to understand union politics of that time, and how the association was manipulated for its own benefits by leaders.

5. ‘F.I.S.T.’—1978

Chateau Productions, 1978.

Johnny Kovak, played by Sylvester Stallone, works in a depository and gets overtired of the workplace’s unfair policies, which leads him to start a riot. This results in him being fired, but his spirit wins him the admiration of his surroundings, which lead in turn to him being recruited for a labor union known as the Federation of Interstate Truckers (F.I.S.T). As the association grows and becomes more powerful, his influence extends, and eventually, his aspiration results in a partnership with gangsters, which unfortunately brings unwanted trouble. 

One of the finest scenes is where Stallone, at a podium, encourages his followers to exhibit their unity by acting as “one fist,” reminding the membership to fill the hall with the booming vroom of the “One, one fist.”

The film gives away a message on unionism, wrong aspiration, and the negative impact of domination; it’s one of the movies you indeed may not have noticed.

6. ‘Norma Rae’—1979

Twentieth Century Fox, 1979.

This film, which comes in mind when we think of cinema on labor, tells the grainy, motile narrative of Crystal Lee Sutton, a North Carolina cotton-mill worker turned labor activist, where the pay is hardly proportional with the long hours and awful working conditions. As a result of an inspiring speech by a labor activist played by Ron Leibman, she gets influenced to rally her fellow workers behind the source of unionism. The result of it upset her family and provokes no shortage of disrespect from her employers.

“Norma Rae” is directed by Martin Ritt, and Sally Field gives an outstanding performance in her role, which led her to an Oscar for ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role.’ The film not only shares its thoughts on injustice, but also showcases subjects like impartiality, women empowerment, and the power one has to change the world.

7. ‘Office Space’—1999

Twentieth Century Fox, 1999.

This office comedy is not about the union but about corporate labor. The story of Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston) hates his job at a software company that he finds no joy with.  He goes to therapy due to his wife’s force, where the therapist dies of a heart attack in the middle of their session.  Later he says no to overtime of work, and instead of working, he plays games at his desk, which inspires two consultants to put him on the management notice. When his friends learn they’re about to be terminated, they take revenge by putting a virus into the company system.

“Office Space” stars Ron Livingston, Gary Cole, and Jennifer Aniston; it has the tagline “Work Sucks.” It may be right. “Office Space” is a maddening and hilarious indictment of office life in the digital age; it’s funny but realistic. It takes a question on severe issues like work boredom, micromanagement, and the effect of work on mental health. It’s a fun watch film which has some hilarious moments to chuckle.

8. ‘North Country’—2005

Warner Bros., 2005.

Directed by Niki Caro, the story takes place from 1989 to 19991, in Northern Minnesota’s iron mines. This absorbing drama is about workplace sexual harassment at its most primordial: a poor single mother and newly hired frumpy miner named Josey Aimes (Charlize Theron). Loathed by men and unprotected by the union, she and her peers are repeatedly groped with sadistic behavior that mirrors a community that penetrates regressive misogyny.

The story is based on a real-life lawsuit; the movie rises above its fight-the-power formula backed by a fabulous cast including Charlize Theron, Sissy Spacek, Frances McDormand, and Woody Harrelson. It takes away on many tough subjects and gives a message on speaking for right and keeping your head up when it’s come to true justice.

9. ‘The Company Men’—2010

The Weinstein Company, 2010.

“The Company Men” is directed by John Wells. It follows a young professional story: Bobby Walker (Ben Affleck), works at a shipping and manufacturing firm; he is a rising star at work with promising success. Then his company goes through some hard times that leads to a few rounds of firing; due to it, he and two of his co-workers find themselves on the unemployment line. As the year unrolls, they must reevaluate their survival as they struggle to hold on in a belligerent post-career outlook.

The film gives a message on what happens when you get chucked out of your workplace, how the unemployed navigate a hard time, and what impact it brings to one’s life. A blunt and aesthetic examination of unemployment’s bullwhip, how it demolishes dreams, and how immense pain and loss destabilizes families.

Hope you like our list and give it a watch on this day devoted to America’s labor history. Have a film we left off the list? Feel free to comment in the space below. 

Find something you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”  Harvey Mackay