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Our film is available to schools, union branches, community groups, and libraries through our distributor, The Video Project. For individuals, we are also available for viewing through Kanopy, a streaming service available at many public and university libraries, and MeansTV, a worker-owned streaming service. Check out the options!
LOGLINE: Union Time tells the story of the UFCW’s 16-year long fight to organize Smithfield Foods’ pork processing plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina. The victory at the world’s largest slaughterhouse brought justice and fair working conditions to 5,000 workers, and is one of the most significant wins for organized labor in the 21st century.
“This film should be required viewing for people concerned with civil rights, gender equity, immigrant rights, rebalancing power and wealth, and fairness. The workers point the way forward for a future where southern workers win against stiff odds—an urgent and also timeless story.”
“Deeply observed by its director Matthew Barr, honestly told in the voices of the workers—black, white, and Hispanic—and narrated by Danny Glover, ‘Union Time’ should be seen by all who care about social justice. What a wonderful celebratory documentary!”
“ ‘Union Time’ is a powerfully told story of an inspiring fight by mostly rural black and brown workers hidden away in the southeastern corner of North Carolina. It is rare to get a chance to hear and see a story told by the workers themselves as it unfolds, and watch them succeed against the intensive resistance of a massive multinational corporation. This story puts the lie to the stereotypes and misinformation so pervasive at this moment in history when many have written off labor unions, where the term “working-class” seems to be reserved for white workers, and where the South is often labeled hopelessly backward. Today, as we fight many uphill battles for justice on many fronts, this film provides a glorious illustration of a victory with many hopeful lessons.”
“The film is fantastic . . . Especially in making the voices and personalities of the workers the centerpiece. A model of socially committed filmmaking.”
