This labor day take some time to watch a movie or two that focuses on the struggle for labor rights and those people who were behind those struggles.  All of the films below are inspiring and remind us that the holiday is about so much more than just the end of summer and grilled food.

As always, let me know if I missed one of your favorite labor themed films!

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5) Gandhi - The ultimate movie about non-violent protest and standing up for one’s rights as a human being.

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4) Made in L.A. - A present day look at the fight for immigrant and labor rights through the story of three Latina immigrants working in Los Angeles garment sweatshops.

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3) Norma Rae - The story of a woman’s fight to unionize a textile factory, this quote says it all “Forget it! I’m stayin’ right where I am. It’s gonna take you and the police department and the fire department and the National Guard to get me outta here!”

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2) Newsies - The perfect labor day movie for kids, it’s hard to believe this story of a newsboys’ strike stars a young Christian Bale.

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1) Harlan County, U.S.A. - Barbara Kopple’s extraordinary doc about mine workers should be seen by everyone, in fact it should be required viewing for anyone thinking of attending a labor day barbecue.