UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Sustain Penn State’s Intersections film series will continue its fall program with a screening of “Union” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The film, shown in partnership with The Labor School in Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts, emphasizes the struggle for workers’ rights and representation at Amazon, one of the largest companies in the world.
“Union,” a film by Stephen Maing and Brett Story, features Chris Smalls, a former worker for Amazon who is trying to create a new generation of labor unions. Going up against one of the world’s largest and most powerful organizations, Smalls and his co-organizers must 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.
“The film and its message that anyone can fight for their rights is becoming increasingly important as corporations continue to gain political power,” said Jake Hohner, community engagement intern for Sustain Penn State. “It’s also an important reminder that even if this is not a struggle you will ever have to face, it has cascading effects that impact all of us.”
The film takes viewers along as organizers navigate internal disagreements, company resistance, worker apathy and political pressure, all while envisioning what else is possible for the future of labor in America.
A panel discussion on movement building, community resilience, and labor history will follow the screening. Preregistration is required at this link.
This screening, co-sponsored by The Labor School and WPSU, relates to the second installment in Sustain Penn State’s three-part Sustainability Career Series: Careers in Sustainability and Organizing — Natural Partners. This online event at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, is aimed toward current students exploring sustainability-related careers and is co-hosted by The Labor School. It will feature labor leaders and Penn State alumni who have pursued careers across the globe in labor and community organizing. Register at this link.
Both events are part of Sustain Penn State’s 2025-26 season of programming. The series theme of “What Else Is Possible?” is intended to encourage participants to envision a brighter future for all. All events are free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact Jake Hohner at jrh6707@psu.edu.