Business & Tech

Market Basket CEOs Tell Employees Return to Work or Be Replaced

Top supermarket officials tell workers to return to job by Monday, Aug. 4.

By Liz Taurasi

Market Basket employees were given an ultimatum on Wednesday -- return to work by Monday or be replaced.

Co-CEOs Felicia Thornton and James Gooch said in a statement they want all associates back to work by Monday, Aug. 4, and reiterated what they said last week that anyone who comes back to work for the chain can do so without any fear of being penalized for their actions. Market Basket workers stopped working a week and a half ago in protest of former CEO Arthur T. Demoulas’ dismissal. They have said they will only work for Arthur T.

Find out what's happening in Beverlyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“We again acknowledge and understand how difficult this situation has been for associates,” they said in the statement. “However, we also need to have associates working to support stores, customers and vendors. We need associates to return to work on Monday August 4th. We understand that some associates may choose not to return, consequently we will begin advertising for employment opportunities.”

The Market Basket board met last Friday, days after ousted CEO Arthur T. and his shareholders made an offer to buy the remaining 50.5 percent of the company. On Monday, the board met again. On Tuesday, it was reported his offer was the only one they were actively considering. Board members made another statement late Tuesday saying this was not true and they were still considering other offers.

Find out what's happening in Beverlyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More of Patch’s Ongoing Market Basket Coverage:

Arthur T.’s Bid to Buy Market Basket Only One on the Table

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