History of Unions -Inheritance 1 or 4

We made this film in 1964 for the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. We are making it available in its entirety to the public now because we are concerned about the current attacks on Unions and workers. We hope that the film will remind the public of why Unions are so vital to our country.

The Inheritance shows what life was really like for immigrants and working Americans from the turn of the century through the fight for civil rights in the 1960s. This stirring history of our country shows their struggle to put down roots, form labor unions, survive wars, and finally, create a new and better life for themselves and our nation.

Our film explores a landscape largely unknown to the present generation---the dim sweatshops, coal mines and textile mills filled with children; the anxious years of the depression and labor's bloody struggle for the right to organize; the battlefields of WW I and II; the seldom seen newsreel footage of the Memorial Day massacre at The Republic Steel strike in Chicago; the civil rights struggle--- as every generation fights again to preserve and extend its freedoms. This is the film's theme.

Judy Collins sings this theme song, as well as more great music sung by Judy, Pete Seeger,Tom Paxton and others.

We retain the copyright to the film, but give permission for the film to be used for educational purposes, in support of the right to collective bargaining.

Harold Mayer and Lynne Rhodes Mayer
Harold Mayer Productions
New Milford, CT

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• education
• teachers
• union
• government
• walker
• protest
• rights
• WI
• OH
• news
• workers

[SMHS28]

I'm a history teacher, and I find it difficult to impress upon my students how hard won American labor rights were. Freedom is a hard won thing....and every generation has to win it again.

[Boomer1949]

@SMHS28 I certainly hope they learn from history and not have to live the consequences of not paying attention to what is going on around them and how their future life may look much more like 1900, than 2020.

[Boomer1949]

I thought you would like this Ella. I'm so proud of what the protesters are doing in WI, OH and ILL. As this video points out in the team song "you have to fight for it all over again".

If these bastards win, vacation time, paid holidays, and personal time will all be gone soon. Could you believe the hours people were working before unions? 18 hr days!! Even kids!! Piece work to boot. It's all worth fighting for.

[Justmyopinionlol]

Most of my clothes still have "amalgamated clothing workers of america" tags. They're all well made considering these workers were treated like shit by a company appropriately named "Shaffner and MARX" Co.

[butimar68]

amount of viewers tells a lot about where we are. how sad!

[ibewminuteman]

I would just like to thank Harold Mayer and Lynne Rhodes Mayer

Harold Mayer Productions

New Milford, CT

For sharing this with the world.

Looks like certain Histories are starting to repeat themselves.

[Peaceisover]

Low resolution. Miniaturized size. Gee, thanks. Oh, and ya forgot to put a big stupid personal logo on it.

[55ella2007k]

Great series, boomer! Thanks for getting this out there! I will speak on the issue soon. I'm sick with the flu - and no paid sick days anymore, thanks to union busting.