Pierburg: Ihr Kampf ist unser Kampf 1974
On August 13, 1973, a group of women migrant workers at Pierburg, a carburettor manufacturer in Neuss, took a bold stand against systemic injustice. Despite performing grueling piecework, these women were confined to the lowest wage group, earning just DM 4.
Director: Edith Schmidt
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pierburg: Ihr Kampf ist unser Kampf (1974) about?
This documentary chronicles the 1973 wildcat strike led by women migrant workers at Pierburg, a Neuss-based carburettor factory. Frustrated by unequal pay and poor working conditions, the women demanded better wages and treatment, sparking a five-day protest that drew 70% of the company's workforce.
Who directed Pierburg: Ihr Kampf ist unser Kampf?
Edith Schmidt directed this gripping documentary, offering an unflinching look at the women's fight for justice.
Who stars in Pierburg: Ihr Kampf ist unser Kampf?
The film centers on the collective struggle of migrant women workers at Pierburg, with their voices and actions taking center stage.
Is Pierburg: Ihr Kampf ist unser Kampf (1974) worth watching?
While the film is relatively short and unrated, its historical significance and the raw emotion of the strike make it a compelling watch for anyone interested in labor rights or social justice documentaries. Its intimate portrayal offers a rare glimpse into a pivotal moment of resistance.
How long is Pierburg: Ihr Kampf ist unser Kampf?
The film has a runtime of 49 minutes.
About Pierburg: Ihr Kampf ist unser Kampf (1974) — The Untold Story of a Landmark Women's Strike
On August 13, 1973, a group of women migrant workers at Pierburg, a carburettor manufacturer in Neuss, took a bold stand against systemic injustice. Despite performing grueling piecework, these women were confined to the lowest wage group, earning just DM 4.70 per hour—far below their male counterparts. Fuelled by the fire of solidarity, they launched a five-day "wildcat strike," drawing in 70% of the factory's 3,800 employees, most of them guest workers. Their rallying cry was simple yet powerful: "one more Mark." Edith Schmidt's 1974 documentary *Pierburg: Ihr Kampf ist unser Kampf* captures this pivotal moment in labor history, painting a vivid portrait of courage, collective action, and the fight for dignity. The film immerses viewers in the tense atmosphere of the strike, highlighting the women's relentless push for fair pay and improved working conditions. Through intimate lens, Schmidt transforms a local labor dispute into a universal tale of resistance, where every worker's struggle becomes a shared fight for a better life.
This 49-minute documentary isn't just a historical record—it's a testament to the power of solidarity. The women's demands echoed far beyond the factory floor, challenging societal norms and sparking conversations about equality that resonated across industries. *Pierburg: Ihr Kampf ist unser Kampf* remains a poignant reminder of how ordinary people, armed with nothing but determination, can challenge the status quo and rewrite the rules of fairness.