The state of American labor is distilled in two documentaries and one UPS union fight

In a politically charged environment that favors corporate interests over workers, two new documentaries shed light on the state of American labor. "Who Moves America" by Yael Bridge and "Union Town" by Barbara Kopple provide a unique perspective on the Teamsters' 2023 battle for a new UPS contract. While "Who Moves America" zeroes in on the UPS struggle, "Union Town" takes a broader look at the lives of those who deliver goods, revealing the harsh realities they face.

"Who Moves America" delves into the union and workers' experiences, focusing on the step-by-step approach taken as the threat of a strike looms. The documentary captures the workers' determination to negotiate for better conditions, showing how even a small pay raise could significantly improve their lives. One of the key themes is the struggle of balancing the needs of part-time workers, many of whom are juggling multiple jobs and family responsibilities, against the priorities of full-time employees.

"Union Town," on the other hand, zooms out to examine the larger picture of labor in America. It explores the sheer number of people involved in delivering goods and the poor treatment they often endure from their employers. The film extends its focus beyond UPS workers, highlighting the plight of Amazon subcontracted employees, who are forced to work excessive hours without breaks, as well as drivers for apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash, who lack health insurance and endure grueling schedules.

Both documentaries effectively convey the stakes involved for the workers they feature. Kopple, a veteran of labor movements like Harlan County, U.S.A. and American Dream, brings her expertise to capture the essence of solidarity among the workers. Bridge, meanwhile, listens in on workers' discussions about the potential impact of even minimal pay increases, revealing how these changes could profoundly affect individual employees' well-being.

The films also address the fears of layoffs that haunt the union members and the uncertainty faced by full-time workers who risk their own needs for the sake of part-time workers. Despite the challenges, the emphasis remains on improving the lives of more workers rather than just a select few. "Union Town" showcases the raw democratic process of union drives, as members with differing demands clash against those who simply want to get back to work without further compromise.

The documentaries offer a glimpse into the tireless efforts required to run a successful union campaign. They juxtapose the efficient Teamsters with emerging groups like the Amazon union and delivery drivers who unite as Las Deliveristas in New York City. The process of reaching out to people through flyers and signs, answering the same questions repeatedly, and facing resistance from both the company and law enforcement is portrayed as an essential part of the fight for workers' rights.

While "Who Moves America" concludes on a high note, with the UPS union membership voting overwhelmingly in favor of the proposed new contract, "Union Town" adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The film not only celebrates the UPS workers' hard-fought victory but also highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Amazon workers, who have suffered retaliation for participating in union activities, and delivery drivers, who now find themselves targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.

These additional adversaries join the companies that steal workers' wages, making the battle for fair treatment an ongoing struggle.

Despite the progress seen in union membership, which is making a comeback after decades of decline, "Union Town" serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done to protect those who keep America's infrastructure running. The documentaries provide a compelling account of the challenges and triumphs faced by labor movements, offering hope for a future where workers' rights are prioritized and their contributions are adequately recognized.