Waging a Living (NR)

synopsis

The term "working poor" should be an oxymoron. If you work full time, you should not be poor, but more than 30 million Americans -- one in four workers -- are stuck in low-wage jobs that do not provide the basics for a decent life. 'Waging a Living' chronicles the battle of four low-wage workers to lift their families out of poverty. Shot over a three-year period in the northeast and California, this observational documentary captures the dreams, frustrations, and accomplishments of a diverse group of workers who struggle to live from paycheck to paycheck. By presenting an unvarnished look at the barriers that these workers must overcome to escape poverty, the film offers a sobering view of the elusive American Dream.