In France, the first May Day took place in 1890. Thousands of workers marched through the streets to demand the 8am day. It was only in 1946 that this day became a holiday and took on the meaning it has today: that ofa moment of reclaiming and celebrating the struggles of employees.
On the occasion of this May 1st, a look back at 6 films that immerse us in the world of work and in the fight against injustice.
An employee’s struggle in The Law of the Market
Fired from his company, Thierry (played by Vincent Lindon) has to find a job. He rails against Pôle Emploi, ends up getting a job as a supervisor in a supermarket. AND still here, he is humiliated, pushed to say and do things that don’t correspond to his values. An ordinary tragedy, the story of one man among others who fights against a system that constantly wants to crush them.
Administrative madness in I, Daniel Blake by Ken Loach
Daniel Blake is arrested by his doctor, he has a heart problem. But for the administration he has two arms, two legs, therefore he is valid, he will not be entitled to any compensation and must find a job. A film that stops at all of this injustices and this nonsense stupidly applied by the administrative systemblinded by their hunt for ” Assisted who receive social assistance. It is a real panorama of social misery, where we discover the daily life of people who survive thanks to food banks. Creepy and irritating.
Class struggle inside Thanks boss ! by Francois Ruffin
Between political documentary and thriller film, Thanks boss ! recounts the fight of the Klur family against the Ecce company, a subcontractor of the LVMH group, who wanted to relocate production to Poland e fire French employees. The Klur couple, now unemployed, are crippled by debt and are about to have their house seized by a bailiff. The founder and editor of the newspaper Fakir, Francois Ruffin, now a deputy for the LFI, undertakes to raise his voice about Bernard Arnault, at all costs. A funny and cynical film, to be seen absolutely.
Strike and negotiations in progress At warwith Vincent Lindon
At the Agen plant, the staff started a tough battle. They occupy the premises, go on strike, try to negotiate with their bosses… The goal: prevent the closure of the site and the transfer of all activities. Brought to you by the combative Vincent Lindon, this film tells us about the struggle of the trade unions: harsh, exhausting, but so necessary.
Divide and conquer Two days, one night by the Dardenne brothers
If they vote “for”, Sandra keeps her job and position. If they vote “against”, each of the sixteen employees will receive a bonus of 1,000 euros. In this Deal unjust imposed by society, we find all the ingredients of social humiliation : Marion Cotillard will have to beg her colleagues to give up this money, in the midst of an economic crisis. 48 breathtaking hours, masterfully written by the Dardenne brothers.
The injustice inside My piece of cakeby Cédric Klapisch
In a France in crisis, companies relocate, lay off workers and play with the stock market. In the midst of all these economic shenanigans, men and women tossed and precarious. My piece of cakerealized by Cedric Clapischrecounts the encounter between a cleaning lady (played by Karin Viard) and the one who is at the origin of all her misfortunes (played by Gilles Lellouche): the merchant who favored the liquidation of her box.
Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
