Cart 2014

Sun-hee works as a veteran cashier among temporary staff

Sun-hee is a veteran cashier at a large retail supermarket, working alongside Hye-mi and Soon-rye as fellow temporary workers who form a close circle. She hopes to secure a regular position to provide more for her two children. Her long hours and steady performance mark her as a model employee in the eyes of management.

Layoff notice targets temporary workers

The company abruptly informs that all temporary workers will be laid off, threatening the livelihoods of Sun-hee and her colleagues. The sudden announcement exposes the insecurity of their precarious employment. The group begins to plan a response to the dismissal.

Women decide to strike

Fearing wrongful dismissals, Sun-hee, Hye-mi, Soon-rye, Ok-soon, and Mi-jin resolve to go on strike. They commit to challenging the store's exploitative labor practices through collective action. The decision marks a turning point from passive frustration to organized resistance.

First protests take shape

The women stage a series of protests outside and within the store, growing stronger as they gain attention from coworkers and customers. They articulate grievances about unfair layoffs and demand fair treatment and job security. The protests begin to mobilize more workers, drawing support from broader staff.

Dong-joon joins the strike

Junior manager Dong-joon, the only male representative of the store's labor union, joins the women in the protests. His involvement lends legitimacy to the movement and broadens the base of support within the company. The alliance between Dong-joon and the female workers shifts the balance of power.

Sun-hee leads from the front lines

Sun-hee, initially shy and passive, is thrust to the demonstrations' front lines. She discovers a new well of determination and resilience, reshaping her sense of self and her leadership. Her growing visibility also begins to affect her personal life and routine.

Sun-hee's personal growth affects Tae-young

The surge of resolve at the protests begins to alter Sun-hee's relationship with her estranged high school-age son Tae-young. Their evolving dynamic mirrors the broader changes happening on the picket lines. The activism brings a new complexity to family life.

The group recognizes their power

As the women stand together, they realize the power of a united stand against corporate practices. They understand that their solidarity can prompt real change and serve as a counterweight to management's tactics. The mood on the picket lines grows more determined.

Company uses divide-and-conquer tactics

The company begins to play the workers against each other, testing loyalties and sowing internal conflicts. This strategy threatens to fracture the movement and undermine the collective resolve the women have built. The situation tests everyone's commitment to the cause.

Hye-mi caves under pressure

Facing mounting pressure from management, Hye-mi, the strike's initial leader, gives in and withdraws from the protest. Her decision creates a leadership vacuum and heightens tension among the remaining organizers. The moment underscores the dangers of organized labor facing corporate pressure.

Ok-soon and Mi-jin stay committed

Despite the setback, fellow workers like Ok-soon and Mi-jin persist in supporting the strike and keeping the flame of resistance alive. Their continued involvement signals the resilience of the broader group beyond the leadership. The strike continues to rely on a wider network of supporters.