Striking Market Basket Workers Reject Orders to Take Down Boycott Signs

Written by Jason Claffey

Market Basket executives on Thursday ordered striking workers to remove “Boycott Market Basket” signs from storefronts.

Most of the grocery chain’s 25,000 employees have been on strike for a month, demanding the return of ousted CEO Arthur T. Demoulas. He has been involved in an epic family feud with his cousin, Arthur S., who controls the company’s board.

Workers have urged customers to boycott the chain’s 71 stores in northern New England. Business is reportedly down by about 80 percent amid the revolt.

“The current, and unprecedented, situation for our business, associates, customers and vendors has obviously affected the traditional production metrics,” executives wrote in a letter to employees Thursday. They went on to say they will not lay off full-time workers. Executives have eliminated hours for many part-time workers.

In the letter, executives Felicia Thornton and Jim Gooch also demand that workers remove signs asking people to donate to a fund for warehouse employees and truck drivers.

The letter enraged some workers.

“We call on all stores to put up more signs and pictures,” workers said in a statement.

Arthur T. has been trying to buy a majority share of the company.

Gov. Deval Patrick this week said he would like to see a resolution to the matter.

Photo credit: Val D’Aquila via Flickr