Constance Pittard

Auguste Lumière directs four workers in the demolition of an old wall at the Lumière factory. One worker is pressing the wall inwards with a jackscrew, while another is pushing it with a pick. When the wall hits the ground, a cloud of white dust whirls up. Three workers continue the demolition of the wall with picks.

The charming small port of Port-Vendres, with its 280 municipal employees, is shaken by a rumour: the Mayor, assisted by his department head, a Parisian who has studied at an elite business school, have the dark intention of reducing the staff of communal employees. Revolt rumbles, the majority and almost single union of the municipal employees organizes a response. The national secretary himself comes to consult. Upon his proposition, an historic decision is made: the municipal employees will strike.