Ken Loach directs this story about the struggle of Los Angeles office cleaners against unfair working practices. Newly arrived in the US, Mexican immigrant Maya (Pilar Padilla) begins work for an office cleaning company. One night, while carrying out her duties, she helps union organiser Sam (Adrien Brody) hide from some security guards, and then, after witnessing an elderly worker get the sack for being late, begins helping the union man in his efforts to win justice for the janitors.

However, no matter how persuasive Sam's appeals are, Maya's fellow cleaners worry that their decision to fight might jeopardise their livelihoods.