Behind the scenes of a popular deli on New York's Upper East Side, undocumented immigrant workers face sublegal wages, dangerous machinery, and abusive managers. Mild-mannered sandwich maker Mahoma López has never been interested in politics, but in Jan. 2012, he convinces a small group of his co-workers to fight back. Risking deportation and the loss of livelihood, the workers team up with a diverse crew of innovative young organizers and take the unusual step of forming an independent union, launching themselves on a journey that will test the limits of their resolve. In one rollercoaster year, they must overcome a shocking betrayal and a two month lockout. Lawyers will battle in backroom negotiations, Occupy Wall Street protesters will take over the restaurant, and a picket line will divide the neighborhood. If they can win a contract, it will set a historic precedent for low-wage workers across the country. But whatever happens, Mahoma and his compañeros won't be exploited again.
Similar titles
Reviews
Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.
It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film
Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable
.Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.
Hurrah! I got your movie today & just finished watching it. I was crying & I never cry. I wanted so much for them to win their jobs back! & to end with all the fast food places organizing for better wages too--that was genius! All I could think of was that Cesar Chavez would have been so proud of the workers fighting against impossible odds like that. I plan to show "Cesar Chavez" after The Hand at our film festival. Thanx again for a Great documentary!Towards an Equal & Just Society!Diane Keefauver