Documentaries, Feature Films and Labor Struggles; Comparing "Roger and Me" and "American Dream". Author: David H. Dallas - 2003

David H. Dallas PS 302: Political Science & Film Clarion University of PA Essay #2 Documentaries, Feature Films and Labor Struggles; Comparing "Roger and Me" and "American Dream" June 2, 2003 (a)What happened to Flint, Michigan and Austin, Minnesota in the 1980's? Flint, Michigan, was the birthplace of General Motors. In the early 1980's, GM announced that they were closing eleven of their production facilities. GM would then be opening the same number of facilities in Mexico. Michael …

…wage bargaining power with their employers is substantially lessened. NAFTA puts them in direct competition with skilled, educated Mexican workers who work for a dollar or two an hour less. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the professions with the largest expected future growth rate are cashiers, waitresses, waiters, janitors, and retail clerks. These and other low paying jobs are the kind that will most likely be available to workers displaced by NAFTA.