With such a busy start to the year there is always time for some rest (and some awe-inspiring moments of unions in the movies)! 

What better way to chill out with comrades than to learn about our great worker history. This is why we have selected some of our favourites that we think you might get something out of as well!  

You will find these films on ABC iView, SBS on-demand, YouTube and paid streaming services.  

Pride (2014) 

Directed by Mathew Warchus 

Pride portrays the true story of how a group of LGBTIQA+ activists from London joined the campaign to support Welsh villagers in the 1984 British miners’ strike. Both groups were feeling under siege from the Thatcher Government and found solidarity together. Some of the greatest moments in cinema have come when workers band together to take on power for better conditions for all. 

Cesar Chavez (2014)  

Directed by Diego Luna 

Probably the Latino poster-boy of the civil rights movement, few Australians would be aware of this Californian rural organiser who adopted non-violent organising techniques to stare down powerful growers and secure work rights for the largely Mexican farm workers. This film is a bit one-eyed but it’s still a ripping yarn.  

Made in Dagenham (2010)  

Directed by Nigel Cole 

This British film, starring Sally Hawkins, dramatises the 1968 Ford sewing machinists strike at the Ford Dagenham plant, where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination and demanding equal pay. The strike was successful and led to the Equal Pay Act 1970. The film’s theme song, with lyrics by Billy Bragg, is performed by Sandie Shaw, herself a local of the area and a former Ford Dagenham clerk.  

Norma Rae (1979)  

Directed by Martin Ritt 

Sally Field gives a terrific portrayal of a woman who became involved in the union at the cotton mill where she worked to improve the workers’ health and safety conditions. You’ll get chills at the scene where she writes the word ‘UNION’ on a piece of cardboard, stands on her worktable, then slowly turns around and displays the sign to everyone in the room. Stirring stuff. 

Salt of the Earth (1954) 

Directed by Herbert Biberman 

An American drama written by Michael Wilson and based on the 1951 miners’ strike between Empire Zinc Company and workers, this is one of the first independent films produced outside of Hollywood – because the film’s makers were blacklisted. Most of the actors in the film are miners and their families.  

Sorry to bother you (2018) 

Directed by Boots Riley 

The film follows a young African-American telemarketer who discovers a new skill that earns him a power caller role, and involvement in corporate conspiracy. Exploring social justice, corporate greed and capitalism and the impact of technologies on society Cassius ‘Cash’ Green is sure to get you thinking.