WMM release WAGING CHANGE (dir. Abby Ginzberg) will air on public media’s WORLD Channel this Labor Day (check local listings). This timely film shines a light on an American struggle hidden in plain sight: the women-led movement to end the federal tipped minimum wage for restaurant workers.
After a year of pandemic-related job losses, restaurants are struggling to rehire workers amidst an industry-wide labor shortage across the country. The COVID-19 shut-down exposed a flawed wage and benefit structure for many in the service industries. Now, some restaurants are hoping to attract new hires with higher wages and greater protections. A New York Times article shares that the market “has helped hasten changes that restaurant workers pushed for during the shutdowns, including higher pay and better working conditions.”
Now is a perfect time to watch WAGING CHANGE, which features Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others who have mobilized support for the movement and reveals the important role consumers must play in ending this two-tiered wage system.
WAGING CHANGE is available to purchase, watch on Kanopy, and to book for screenings. Check local listings for airtimes.
