In January 2012, sandwich maker Mahoma López led his co-workers to form an independent union while facing the threat of deportation and job loss.
“Sometimes you have to make your own justice.”
Synopsis
In January 2012, sandwich maker Mahoma López led his co-workers to form an independent union while facing the threat of deportation and job loss.
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Synopsis
Mahoma López stands at the counter of 63rd Street Hot & Crusty, a bakery café in New York City's Upper East Side. In January 2012, he leads a group of undocumented workers to form an independent union, seeking fair wages and better working conditions. The workers face sub-legal pay, dangerous machinery, and the threat of deportation. Over the course of a year, they endure a two-month lockout and community division as they fight for a contract that could impact low-wage laborers across the United States.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Mahoma Lopez and his fight for workers' rights.
- See the struggles of undocumented workers in NYC.
- Follow the impact of the Occupy Wall Street movement.
Did You Know
- The film premiered at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in April 2014.
- Mahoma Lopez led the workers to unionize in January 2012.
- The film won the Audience Award for Best Feature at the Full Frame festival.
- It received a nomination for the 2017 Outstanding Business and Economic Documentary Emmy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of The Hand That Feeds?
The film chronicles the struggles of undocumented immigrant workers in New York City as they attempt to achieve fair wages and better working conditions.
When did The Hand That Feeds premiere?
It premiered at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in April 2014.
Who led the unionization effort in The Hand That Feeds?
The unionization effort was led by sandwich maker Mahoma Lopez in January 2012.
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