Watch With Babies and Banners: Story of the Women's Emergency Brigade

With Babies and Banners: Story of the Women's Emergency Brigade is a 1979 documentary film directed by Lorraine Gray. It tells the story of the Women's Emergency Brigade (WEB), a group of women who provided support to striking workers during the 1936-1937 Flint sit-down strike in Michigan. The Flint sit-down strike was a pivotal moment in American labor history, and marked the first time that a major American corporation had to negotiate with a union. The strike was precipitated by the decision of General Motors to cut wages and hours, and was led by the United Automobile Workers (UAW). The workers occupied GM plants and refused to leave until their demands were met.

The WEB was founded by a group of militant women who were frustrated with the UAW's lack of support for the strike. The women provided food, clothing, and medical care to the striking workers and their families, and served as a liaison between them and the outside world. They also pioneered new tactics in labor organizing, such as the "leapfrog" technique, in which they mobilized large groups of women to picket multiple locations simultaneously.

The film uses archival footage, interviews with surviving members of the WEB, and reenactments to tell the story of the strike and the role played by the women's brigade. It also explores the challenges faced by the women, who were often ostracized by their families and communities for their involvement in the strike.

One of the key themes of the film is the role of women in the labor movement. The WEB challenged traditional gender roles and paved the way for future generations of women to participate in the struggle for workers' rights. The film also highlights the intersectionality of the labor movement, as the strike brought together workers from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Another theme is the power of grassroots activism. The WEB was a grassroots organization that emerged from the ranks of the striking workers, and its success was due in large part to the dedication and hard work of its members. The film argues that true social change can only come from the bottom up, through the collective efforts of ordinary people.

With Babies and Banners is an inspiring and informative documentary that sheds light on a little-known chapter of American labor history. It celebrates the courage and determination of the women of the WEB, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for workers' rights and social justice.