This is a fascinating documentary for anyone interested in the problems Labor Unions have been having for the past 25 years.
The Pullman Car Company once made luxury passenger train cars. Problems begin when the assets of the company are purchased by a corporation with diversified interests. The "numbers" men running this corporation have no interest in the business itself and threaten to shut it down.
Also troublesome is the lack of support the local chapter receives from the national organization. National representatives are unwilling to even discuss a contract offered by the company which contains many concessions that violate principals that unions traditionally fight for. They appear willing to sacrifice the local to avoid setting a precedent of giving in on these issues.
There is little narration. The film's point of view is that of a fly on a wall listening and watching the players involved. In spite of this apparent lack of "art", the demise of the local unfolds with a dramatic structure similar to that of a work of fiction. Feelings of anger and frustration are gradually transformed to apathy and resignation.
The Pullman Car Company once made luxury passenger train cars. Problems begin when the assets of the company are purchased by a corporation with diversified interests. The "numbers" men running this corporation have no interest in the business itself and threaten to shut it down.
Also troublesome is the lack of support the local chapter receives from the national organization. National representatives are unwilling to even discuss a contract offered by the company which contains many concessions that violate principals that unions traditionally fight for. They appear willing to sacrifice the local to avoid setting a precedent of giving in on these issues.
There is little narration. The film's point of view is that of a fly on a wall listening and watching the players involved. In spite of this apparent lack of "art", the demise of the local unfolds with a dramatic structure similar to that of a work of fiction. Feelings of anger and frustration are gradually transformed to apathy and resignation.