‘Union Town’ Review: Barbara Kopple Takes on UPS, Amazon and the Apps in Another Essential Organized Labor Documentary

In a world where workers’ rights are constantly under threat, filmmakers like Barbara Kopple continue to shine a light on the struggles of organized labor. Her latest documentary, Union Town, is a timely examination of the modern workplace that highlights the precarious lives of those working in the gig economy.

Kopple’s films often focus on solidarity, weaving together disparate storylines into a rich narrative of human experience. This approach can sometimes feel fragmented, as it does in Union Town. However, the overall impact is undeniable, particularly when focusing on the struggles of UPS drivers, Amazon warehouse workers, and app delivery personnel.

The film conveys the sense of isolation felt by these workers, often pitted against each other in a game of supply and demand. We meet Shellyanne Ellison, a UPS driver struggling to keep her truck’s air conditioning working, while Ira Pollock fights for better working conditions at an Amazon warehouse. These stories are connected by the thread of exploitation – whether it’s through broken promises, inadequate compensation, or the ever-present threat of app shutdown.

Unlike some of Kopple’s previous work, Union Town is not a strike-centric film. Instead, she focuses on the complexities of negotiation and protest, highlighting the ways in which workers are often forced to adapt to an ever-changing landscape. This approach acknowledges the agency of individual workers while illuminating the structural issues that perpetuate inequality.

The gig economy emerges as a battleground for social justice, with Union Town placing this struggle at the heart of New York City and by extension, the United States at large. The film underscores the tension between collective action and individual competition, making it clear that this is not merely a story about workers fighting against companies – but also a commentary on how our economic system erodes solidarity.

Given the current climate, with organized labor facing unprecedented challenges, Union Town arrives at a critical moment. As politicians tout deregulation and anti-union policies, Kopple’s documentary serves as a timely reminder of the importance of collective action in the face of exploitation. In this sense, Union Town is more than just a film – it’s a call to arms, urging viewers to engage with the struggles of those working on the fringes of our economy.

Kopple’s documentaries have long been recognized for their ability not only to document the past but also to shape our understanding of the present. Union Town offers a scathing critique of an economic system that prioritizes profits over people. As we continue to navigate this shifting landscape, it’s essential to remember that the struggles of organized labor are ongoing battles for human dignity in the face of corporate power.

Ultimately, Union Town is a film that will leave you feeling both hopeful and despairing. It’s a testament to the resilience of workers fighting against impossible odds, yet also a scathing indictment of a system determined to silence their voices. Kopple’s documentary is not just a celebration of solidarity – it’s a warning we would do well to heed in these tumultuous times.