Plot

When Mr. Burns revokes the plant's dental plan, forcing Lisa to be fitted with cheap, ugly braces, Homer leads its union into going on strike.

Mr. Burns revokes the dental plan from the power plant's union contract, and when Homer realizes that he'll now have to pay for Lisa's new braces, he leads the power plant employees on a strike, while Mr. Burns struggles to put an end to the rioting.—anonymous

After a dental check-up, the Simpson family is informed that Lisa is going to need braces for her teeth. Homer then attends a Union meeting at work where a free keg of beer is provided if the workers will forgo their Dental Plan. Homer almost gives in, but slowly realizes that without the dental plan, he'll have to pay for Lisa's braces. Homer then speaks (somewhat) eloquently about the dental plan, and the others elect him to be their Union Leader. The workers then work to try and get their dental plan put back in place.

Meanwhile, without having a dental plan, Lisa is forced to wear an old-fashioned and hideous piece of headgear for her braces. Homer is eventually taken to Mr Burns' place for a friendly chat, but does not quite understand the meaning behind the conversation, misinterpreting it as several sexual advances and Burns simply thinks that Homer is playing 'hardball.' When Homer attempts to resign as the union leader, he is misheard to sound as if he is considering a strike.

Mr Burns and Smithers attempt to weather the strike by running the plant themselves, but fail miserably. Eventually, Burns appears on TV, threatening retaliation. He shuts off all power to Springfield in the hopes of causing dissension, but the striking workers continue to plod on, singing a 'fight song' that Lisa plays on her guitar.

Out of options, Mr Burns negotiates with Homer: the workers can have their dental plan back, if Homer will resign as the Union Head (giving Homer the two things he most wanted!). With the dental plan back in place, Lisa' gets some clear braces that are almost invisible on her own teeth.