Since the economic crisis of 2009, over nine million jobs have been created in America. Officially, the recession is over. But American workers have come out of the crisis more vulnerable and even poorer than ever. 46.7 million Americans live in poverty with around 15% of the US population living below the poverty line. But they aren’t unemployed – most of them have at least two jobs. They’re ‘the working poor’. Meet the people behind America’s economic recovery.
Germania has two minimum wage jobs, working 18 hours a day. Three quarters of a her salary go on paying for the 15m square motel room she shares with her two children and her mother-in-law. But even with two jobs, she struggles to buy food for her family. In the past four months, they have stayed in five motels, moving every few weeks to ever cheaper rooms as their money runs out.
Joe and Chelsie live with their two young daughters in a tent in a church carpark. Their bathroom is a porta-potty they share with 50 other people. Around 500 families in Seattle live in these temporary camps. Like Germania, Chelsie works full time but she can no longer afford to live in the city she works in.
Trade Union leader, Scott Slawson, has worked for General Electric for 13 years. But a few days ago, he was told his job will be re-located to a state with no wages and 50% lower salaries. He doesn’t know if he will be able to find another job.
This documentary was produced by Babel Press and directed by Hélène Eckmann. It was first released in 2016.
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The mom with 3 kids is so impressive. She works so hard, and does what she needs for her kids. I hope she has found her home, a car, stability, and lots of happiness.
I was born in 1945. My comment doesn't apply to her. She is doing all she can for herself and family. I would like to mention a difference between then and now. Some "beggers" are for real. Many, many are not. (We know that) They are everywhere. Streets, shopping malls, everywhere.There were no baggers back in the old days. They were not allowed!!! There were not any camps on the sidewalks. etcetera. They were not allowed! Also, there were no "Sanctuary Cities" back then. The people and authorities would not have allowed it!
People now days cannot realize what they missed out on but l can. Things that were the norm back then are not the norm today. Make America Great Again? It can be better than it is now, but l certainly don't think that it will ever be like it used to be. (I cannot predict the future for the next 500 years. I am 80 years old. I have lived and seen the decline. What has America become? I can only shake my head in disbelief and pity, pity, pity. I can only say this, something should be tried to make America better than it is now. I really do think Trump is trying to. No one else has tried to do what he is trying. What will happen? I don't know. But, there needs to be change.
(These are my thoughts.)