Report: Market Basket warned on employee firings

Tewksbury, Mass. – The Attorney General’s offices of Massachusetts and New Hampshire have warned the Market Basket supermarket chain that it must follow the letter of the law in terminating any employees involved in walkouts and demonstrations that have been occurring since July 18. According to the Boston Globe, a joint letter to Market Basket co-CEOs Felicia Thornton and James Gooch from the two offices states that they are aware Market Basket may start replacing workers on Aug. 4.



Market Basket has informed employees that if they do not return to regularly scheduled shifts by Monday, Aug. 4, they risk being replaced. Market Basket is publicly advertising positions across the company in anticipation of some employees not heeding its warning.



Market Basket workers are protesting the removal of former CEO Arthur T. Demoulas from his position in June 2014 by his cousin, Arthur S. Demoulas, in a dispute over finances. Arthur T. remains a major shareholder of Market Basket parent company Demoulas Super Markets, and has offered to buy the company.



Store shelves have been virtually empty due to warehouse workers and drivers refusing to work until he is rehired, and at least eight management-level employees have already been fired. The Demoulas board has said it will consider offers from Arthur T. and other suitors.