Walking the Line: Films by Striking Library Workers

Have you been getting much information on the ongoing city strikes? I haven't really. Not from the mainstream media. But then again I'm kind of lazy and only rely on listening to CBC in the morning for my news fix, so all I'm hearing is stuff like negotiations have stalled,17.5%, and mumblings of Sam's Strike from friends and colleagues. Do I ever hear stuff about pay equity? Not contracting out? Whistle-blower protection? Fairness for auxiliary workers? Only from my union.

But I don't expect most people to check the union websites for updates. In which case you also wouldn't stumble on these cute and classy black and white short films by James Gemmill.

So far there are 5 films in total. Grandeur on Georgia is my favourite, but there are also ones on the media black out, the rally at city hall, read-ins, and funtimes with a button-maker. And these aren't your typical youtube shaky camera shoddy footage shorts, these well produced little vignettes, well worth 10 minutes of your time.

Looking for something a little more fun? D'arcy Stainton, another striking library worker, has put together some hilarious short films on pay equity, aux workers, and comparing other lower mainland settlements with what the VPL has been offered. Complete with lesbian jokes!