No Somos Máquinas: We are Not Machines has been created in partnership with National Employment Law Project (NELP) and Silent Sea Productions. The film provides insight into the abuses and mistreatment of temporary workers, sub-contracted construction workers, and janitorial and domestic workers in New Jersey. Seeking to define itself as a new kind of union that educates, organizes, and advocates for workers without typical job protections, New Labor empowers disenfranchised laborers to become leaders who fight for progressive action.
No Somos Máquinas follows the staff of New Labor and many members as they share their stories of abuse and disillusionment and their evolution into empowered, knowledgeable individuals who are aware of their rights and demanding equity. The film highlights these transformations and details the methods the worker organization employs to build strong organizers and leaders. From here, we see grassroots strength enacting change at the personal, local, and state level.
Timely Documentary We Are Not Machines screens at the New Jersey Film Festival on February 2!
"People come together to fight for their worth, creating an incredibly captivating and eye-opening film that urges viewers to get involved and do their part in the fight against labor exploitation. As someone who has lived in New Brunswick for four years now, I was shocked that I had never heard of this issue and feel as though it would be incredibly beneficial to anyone who calls New Brunswick their home to see this film and learn about what’s happening around them every day."
NJ Film Fest will show ‘No Somos Máquinas’ documentary, exploring new labor movement
"As the documentary — which is directed by Mark Nistico, and was created in association with The National Employment Law Project — shows, the 'New' in 'New Labor' is crucial. Because the organization was created in response to new realities of today’s work world."
Review: "No Somos Maquinas is an extraordinary resource for introducing students (and general audiences) to how the 21st century labor market really works, the forces behind the extremely exploitative working conditions faced by millions of immigrant workers in the United States today and how some of them are standing up and fighting back. Through zeroing in on the temporary employment industry, we see how the cycle of exploitation actually works: how agencies are providing the workers that are staffing the warehouses that pack and move products for huge multi-national firms, while avoiding any responsibility for their working conditions or wages. This is, without a doubt an educational film but it is equal parts inspirational because it doesn't just dwell on the problem—it demonstrates the power of worker organizing to change the world."
—Janice Fine
Professor Rutgers School of Management and
Labor Relations and Director, Workplace Justice Lab@RU
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Founded in 1969, the National Employment Law Project (NELP) is a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to building a just and inclusive economy where all workers have expansive rights and thrive in good jobs. Together with local, state, and national partners, NELP advances its mission through transformative legal and policy solutions, research, capacity-building, and communications. Learn more at www.nelp.org
Founded in 2000, New Labor is an organization that educates, organizes, and fights for better work conditions and social justice in the workplace. With a base of around 4,000 members, and centers in New Brunswick, Lakewood, and Newark, New Jersey, New Labor organizes to empower members and amplify their voices in the community, workplace, and political realm. New Labor is a 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at www.newlabor.org
Silent Sea Productions is a full-service film and video production company that cultivates brand development through TV commercial production and promotional marketing videos, as well as captivates audiences with narrative and documentary film. Established in 2002, Silent Sea Productions has a consistent track record of delivering award-winning films and videos that intrigue audiences and boost brand awareness. Learn more at www.silentseaproductions.com
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