In the last 40 years, Americans’ participation in labor unions has halved to fewer than 10 percent of households. And yet, in the last five years, unions have started to see a resurgence of interest and public support, as workers fight for more protections, better working conditions, and living wages. But after 40 years of waning participation, getting workers engaged with the unionization process and willing to take the risk in challenging their employers has become even more challenging. Is there a way forward?

In Stephen Maing and Brett Story’s Union, you’ll meet Chris Smalls, a former worker for Amazon who is trying to find that way forward to create a new generation of labor unions. Going up against one of the world’s biggest and most powerful organizations, Smalls and his co-organizers have to overcome the doubts of even other established labor unions who think that it’s impossible to challenge Amazon. Heading out on their own, they establish the Amazon Labor Union and proceed on their campaign to unionize one Long Island Amazon warehouse, one worker at a time. In this gripping account, you follow along through internal disagreements, company resistance, worker apathy, political pressure, and try to see what else is possible for the future of labor in America.

Following the screening, we will host a post-film discussion panel featuring Penn State faculty and alumni.

This screening from the “What Else Is Possible?” 2025-26 Intersections film series is co-sponsored by The LABOR School and WPSU. As always, all screenings are free and open to all. Pre-registration is required.