Watch We The People: The Market Basket Effect

We The People: The Market Basket Effect is a powerful, inspiring and thought-provoking documentary that centers around the incredible story of the Market Basket supermarket chain and its loyal employees. Directed by Tommy Reid and starring Michael Chiklis, this 2016 film offers a detailed exploration of one of the most remarkable labor struggles in modern history.

For those who are not familiar, Market Basket was a family-owned supermarket chain based in New England, with over 70 stores and 25,000 employees. In 2014, after a bitter family feud, the company's beloved CEO Arthur T. Demoulas was ousted by his cousin and rival, Arthur S. Demoulas. This move triggered a chain of events that would ultimately lead to a massive employee revolt, sparked by the loyalty and devotion that Arthur T. had always shown to his workers.

What began as a grassroots movement by a few employees soon became a full-blown rebellion. Workers from all levels of the company, from the cashiers to the managers, joined forces and organized a boycott of the stores, refusing to work or shop there. They created picket lines, rallies, and demonstrations to demand the return of Arthur T. to his rightful place as CEO.

This film captures the story of this rebellion in vivid detail, offering interviews with key players from both sides of the conflict. We hear from employees who share stories of their years of loyalty and devotion to Arthur T., who was known for his fair treatment of workers and his willingness to give them a share of the company's profits. We also hear from company executives and board members who argue that Arthur S.'s leadership was necessary for the long-term success of the chain.

The heart of the film, however, is the story of the workers themselves. We see them defying expectations and standing up for what they believe in, risking their jobs and their livelihoods in the process. We hear stories of workers who put their families on a tight budget to support the cause, who sacrificed their paychecks to attend rallies and demonstrations, and who refused to back down even when threatened with termination.

The filmmakers do an excellent job of capturing the emotional intensity of this conflict, showing the personal toll that it took on everyone involved. We see the pain and anguish of the workers who felt betrayed by the company they had devoted their lives to, and we see the frustration and anger of company management as they struggled to maintain control. Through it all, Michael Chiklis serves as a powerful and engaging narrator, providing context and insight into the complex issues at play.

As the film progresses, we see the movement grow stronger and more unified. We watch as workers from different stores and different departments come together, setting aside their differences to fight for a common cause. We see them gain the support of customers, politicians, and even other labor unions, as the story of the Market Basket rebellion gained national attention.

Without giving too much away, suffice it to say that the outcome of this incredible struggle is a testament to the power of collective action. It is a story of loyalty, perseverance, and ultimately triumph. The Market Basket workers achieved what many thought was impossible, showing that even in the face of overwhelming odds, ordinary people can band together to create meaningful change.

We The People: The Market Basket Effect is a must-see film for anyone interested in labor rights, collective action, or simply the power of the human spirit. It is a well-crafted, emotionally resonant documentary that will leave viewers feeling inspired and uplifted.

We The People: The Market Basket Effect is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 52.