Made by the Texas AFL-CIO, this 1979 documentary chronicles a large rally in the Austin involving laborers and union members from all over the state. The goal of the protest was to fight Senate Bill 513. The bill was wildly unpopular amongst Texan laborers because it sought to repeal prevailing wage, a vital component to workers’ rights. Participants of the rally marched to the Texas State Capitol Building, singing old labor songs like “Solidarity Forever,” and eventually entering the building, chanting “Kill the bill!” In the end, the bill did not pass. However, the film includes a brief statement from Edward J. Carlough, General President of Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association, warning against the threat of government repeal.

James H. “Buzz” Maloy was a lifelong South Austin resident and filmmaker. He worked as a union projectionist and was a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, as well as the Cinecon Association. Maloy worked in the camera department for numerous Hollywood films, including Courage Under Fire (1996), Office Space (1999), and The Newton Boys (1998). Jim and his wife Edna also owned a film rental library called Feature Film Service on South Congress. Much of the James Maloy Collection captures the Maloy family spending time with neighbors, friends, and family in their backyard, in state parks, and in other cultural landmarks throughout Texas. Other films include narrative shorts, starring Boy Scout Troop 33, to which Maloy’s sons belonged. The collection also consists of documentaries about labor rights movements as well as experimental films.

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