The Superstore Television Show: A Realistic Portrayal of Workplace Dynamics and Unionization
The sitcom Superstore offers a surprisingly accurate depiction of the power struggles between employers and employees in a big-box store setting. The show tackles issues like cost-cutting measures that lead to reduced employee hours and the lack of benefits such as paid maternity leave. In one humorous yet poignant scene, America Ferrera’s character suggests a way to cut costs by reclassifying employees to strip them of benefits—a suggestion that corporate readily adopts.
One of the most compelling storylines in Superstore revolves around the employees’ attempts to unionize. The show realistically portrays the challenges and obstacles faced by workers who seek to organize for better working conditions. This includes facing resistance from management, dealing with anti-union tactics, and the emotional toll on employees involved in the effort. The fifth season culminates in a poignant yet unsuccessful attempt to establish a union, highlighting the real-world struggles faced by many workers. This storyline resonated with viewers who recognized similar power dynamics in their own workplaces.
The show’s strength lies in its ability to depict these conflicts without resorting to simplistic portrayals of good versus evil. Instead of focusing on a single antagonistic boss, Superstore correctly identifies the systemic issues stemming from “corporate,” the often faceless entity that prioritizes profits over employee well-being. This nuanced approach prevents viewers from dismissing the conflicts as isolated incidents involving individual “bad bosses” and encourages them to recognize the broader power imbalances inherent in many workplaces. By highlighting the systemic nature of these issues, Superstore fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by hourly wage workers.
Superstore excels at portraying the subtle ways in which management attempts to undermine employee solidarity. The show cleverly illustrates how seemingly benign gestures, such as “employee appreciation day” with its free massages and ice cream, can be strategically timed to coincide with union organizing efforts. This tactic, reminiscent of real-world instances where employers offer superficial perks to distract from underlying issues, highlights the manipulative tactics often employed to discourage unionization. The show draws parallels to real-world events, such as the walkouts at Slate Coffee, where management attempted to placate employees with pizza parties rather than addressing their genuine concerns.
The show’s realism extends to its depiction of the challenges faced by union organizers. It accurately portrays the isolation and skepticism faced by those who speak out against unfair labor practices. Their concerns are often dismissed as coming from “agitators,” making it easy for those in power to invalidate their grievances. Meanwhile, management often employs rhetoric that emphasizes “fun” and camaraderie as a way to discourage unionization, effectively masking the underlying power imbalances. This dynamic underscores the difficulty of challenging established power structures and the importance of recognizing the validity of worker concerns. The show prompts viewers to question the status quo and consider the perspectives of those who challenge it.
The show also tackles the psychological barriers to unionization, exploring the discomfort that arises when deeply held beliefs about the workplace are challenged. The tendency to trust employers and the desire to maintain a positive view of the existing system can make it difficult to acknowledge and address systemic problems. Superstore encourages viewers to confront these uncomfortable truths and to consider the potential benefits of collective action. The show emphasizes that unions are not inherently adversarial but rather a means of ensuring fair treatment, standardized communication, and a genuine voice for workers.
The success of unionized workforces in countries like Denmark, where McDonald’s employees earn a living wage while the company remains profitable, challenges the common misconception that unions hinder economic growth. Superstore implicitly raises these questions, prompting viewers to examine their own biases and consider the positive impact unions can have on both individual workers and the broader economy. The show serves as a valuable tool for sparking conversations about workplace equity and the importance of empowering employees.
