In Los Angeles, illegal Mexican immigrant Maya (Pilar Padilla) finds work as a janitor through her sister, Rosa (Elpidia Carrillo).
However, since both work for a non-union company, conditions are grim. After putting up with abuse from her bosses, Maya is open to the pro-union rhetoric offered by organizer Sam Shapiro (Adrien Brody). Rosa, however, is far less interested in clashing with management, given the needs of her family, and a rift begins to form between the sisters.
Bread and Roses is inspired by the real life “Justice for Janitors” campaign led by the immigrant cleaners, mostly women, in L.A. Loach unravels the events centring his tale on the spirited Latin American community who, with their battle cry of “no justice, no peace”, dare to take on the corporate powers.
