Review: Labor organizers score against Amazon in ‘Union,’ a complex, essential documentary
As I sat down to watch “Union,” I felt like I was witnessing the modern-day equivalent of the miners’ strike in Harlan County, USA. The passion and determination of Chris Smalls and his fellow Amazon workers were nothing short of inspiring. Yet, the film also served as a stark reminder of the challenges that come with standing up against a corporate giant like Amazon.
This period is quite unusual when it comes to worker rights and union influence. On one side, issues that matter to workers are gaining momentum in various industries. Meanwhile, the Republican presidential contender seemed to cause minimal impact on his campaign trail for disparaging autoworkers by suggesting a child could perform their tasks instead.
The momentum for union organizing has been gaining traction, and no cause appears more captivating than the grassroots movement established in 2021 by Chris Smalls alongside others, aiming to unite Amazon employees at a Staten Island warehouse where he himself was terminated. Contrary to the impression that being dismissed might tarnish one’s reputation, “Union,” a riveting documentary by Brett Story and Stephen Maing, demonstrates that frequent dismissals for dubious reasons are integral to Amazon’s financial success. The company uses disposability as a means to exert draconian control over its employees’ precarious job security, suppressing their inclination to resist by unionizing.
Given Amazon’s substantial presence in the entertainment industry, it might be reasonable to attribute some difficulties in securing mainstream release for acclaimed documentaries, such as “Union,” which couldn’t find distribution after premiering at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The filmmakers of “Union” assert that this is indeed the case. The film, featuring Smalls and other volunteer organizers strategizing against Amazon‘s strongly anti-union stance, carries a powerful message, as scenes of them braving cold weather to set up sign-up tents, disrupting coercive union-busting meetings, and even offering free weed, resonate deeply. “Union” seems like an authentic independent film that happened to be in the perfect position to capture one of the most significant labor victories in recent history.
As a dedicated viewer, I can’t help but feel the raw tension that unfolds when passionate advocates from diverse backdrops unite without a pre-written playbook or national union support. They’re all driven by convictions, yet grappling with how to maintain focus and motivation amidst escalating challenges. The filmmakers clearly empathize with the laborers, much like Barbara Kopple did in her groundbreaking early ’70s documentary “Harlan County, USA.” Fortunately, unlike Kopple’s work, this film steers clear of the severe police conflicts and gun violence that marked her iconic piece.
However, when trust wavers, accusations of thoughtlessness arise, and an ardent initial backer senses impending loss, they eventually choose to vote against the formation of the alliance, leaving you with a sense of disappointment.
In this location, frequent sights of an enormous cargo ship laden with containers evoke a somewhat ambiguous message: While Amazon remains resilient, so does the struggle for unionization. The uplifting stories that dominated news in 2022 are indeed cause for celebration, but the challenges that followed underscore the importance of unity, leadership, and perseverance among union organizers beyond a key figure’s well-deserved recognition.
In the significant year portrayed in “Union,” Smalls emerges as a captivating agitator. However, amidst the tumult, he shares an insight that often gets overlooked in the simplistic David versus Goliath narrative: The aim is for everyone, regardless of their position within the company, to prosper. He expresses this with sincerity, stating, “They didn’t grasp how deeply I cared about the company.” In a poignant and genuine manner, “Union” reveals what Amazon and the world would later come to understand – the immense power that workers wield when they prioritize their dignity above all.
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2024-10-25 18:01