American Standoff


1h 35m 2002

Brief Synopsis

Organizers from around the country are rallying to support a strike against Overnite Transportation, a nationwide freight company that has repeatedly resisted union organizing. Employees are seeking safer work conditions, relief from wrongful firings, and contracts, all of which the company has refu

Film Details

Genre
Documentary
Release Date
2002

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 35m

Synopsis

Organizers from around the country are rallying to support a strike against Overnite Transportation, a nationwide freight company that has repeatedly resisted union organizing. Employees are seeking safer work conditions, relief from wrongful firings, and contracts, all of which the company has refused in the past. As the strike begins, workers from terminals in different cities head out to the picket line for what they predict will be a quick resolution. The company, however, plans to wait as long as possible in order to exhaust the union's funds and support. Complicating matters, the union is divided between protecting the labor rights of its workers and an internal political struggle between governing factions. James P. Hoffa, son of the famed Jimmy Hoffa, is the current Teamsters' president and wants to be reelected for a second term. He has worked to clear the union's name from its sullied reputation because of old mob connections during his father's reign.

Film Details

Genre
Documentary
Release Date
2002

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 35m

Quotes

Trivia

Miscellaneous Notes

Released in United States January 2002

Released in United States June 10, 2002

Released in United States May 2002

Shown at Tribeca Film Festival, May 8-12, 2002.

Feature directorial debut for Kristi Jacobson, who has worked with Barbara Kopple for 5 years prior to the release of 'American Standoff'.

Part of HBO's "America Undercover" series

Released in United States January 2002 (Shown at Sundance Film Festival (Documentary) in Park City, Utah January 10-20, 2002.)

Released in United States May 2002 (Shown at Tribeca Film Festival, May 8-12, 2002.)

Released in United States June 10, 2002