Union: A Groundbreaking Documentary on Amazon Labor Movement’s Triumph Amid Corporate Pushback

Documentary Review: Union

Union is a documentary about the Amazon Labor Union’s successful organizing efforts at a Staten Island Amazon fulfillment center. The film combines elements of an underdog story, a thriller, and a workplace drama. It highlights the importance of union organizing today.

Despite winning an award at Sundance and receiving positive reviews, the film lacks a distributor. Major companies are hesitant to back it due to potential conflicts with Amazon Studios, which is owned by Jeff Bezos.

Directors Brett Story and Stephen Maing explore how corporations can stifle media about labor movements. Bezos’ financial might allows him to inhibit widespread access to Union. This control is similar to his influence over media decisions and legal matters relevant to unions.

Union is self-promoting, available for streaming through Gathr from Black Friday until Giving Tuesday. The film contrasts Amazon’s corporate power with the grassroots community of the ALU.

The film shows the ALU organizing from a tent near Amazon’s JFK8 warehouse, fostering a strong community among workers. Chris Smalls, the union’s leader, rose to prominence after being fired for protesting unsafe conditions during the pandemic. Other union members, like Natalie Monarrez, face personal challenges while fighting for worker rights.

The film reveals internal tensions within the ALU and presents a realistic portrayal of their struggles. The eventual success of the JFK8 workers in voting to unionize demonstrates the impact of their efforts. However, the union still faces difficulties, including legal challenges from Amazon and competition from other companies.

Union presents a crucial view of unions’ relevance in today’s workforce. With union membership declining, the film’s narrative brings awareness to their potential and importance. The lack of wider distribution hinders its potential impact on raising awareness about labor rights.

In the film, the ALU emphasizes human dignity against Amazon’s corporate dehumanization. Their slogan, “You are not a number,” resonates with the workers as they continue their fight for a better future. Watching this struggle is a reminder of the power of solidarity and the ongoing quest for workers’ rights.