Market Basket Begins Layoffs

By Tony Schinella

Layoffs have begun at Market Basket grocery stores in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, according to a spokesperson for the company, confirming a threat made earlier this week that if workers did not return, there would be job cuts.

This morning, Patch started hearing from employees and family members of part-time employees who were receiving layoff notices via telephone.

A spokesperson for the company has confirmed that employees are being let go and issued the following statement:

“The CEOs have said repeatedly they would welcome back all associates in an effort to return to full operations for the benefit of Market Basket’s customers, associates, vendors and communities. It is not their wish that anyone be laid off. Toward that end, they have directed store directors to receive deliveries and stock their shelves. Company practice has always been that store directors are responsible for determining appropriate staffing levels in their stores.”

It is unknown the exact number of employees who were laid off Thursday.

Ongoing Market Basket Coverage:

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AGs Warn Market Basket About Employment Laws

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

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Market Basket Board Confirms Arthur T. Offer, Reaffirms Choices

Overnight Market Basket Workers Sue Company

LIVE UPDATES: Market Basket Employees Rally Friday, Board of Directors to Also Meet

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Arthur T. Demoulas Makes Offer to Buy Market Basket

Arthur T. Demoulas Issues Statement, Urges Fired Market Basket Employees Be Reinstated

If You’re Boycotting Market Basket, Where are You Shopping Now?

Are Politicians Overstepping in Support of Market Basket Boycott?

Elected Officials Statewide Pledge Support for Market Basket Boycott

Despite Firings, Market Basket Employees Continue Fight

LIVE UPDATES: Market Basket Employees Rally Again Monday

Market Basket Warehouse Supervisor Fired, 7 More Terminated

Stores Feel the Pinch, Legislators Chime in as Market Basket Employees Stand Together to Bring Back Ousted CEO Arthur T.

PHOTOS: Market Basket Employees, Customers Rally in Support of Arthur T.

Live Updates: Market Basket Employees, Vendors, Customers to Rally Today in Support of Arthur T.

Market Basket HQ Workers Won’t Show Up for Work Friday in Tewksbury, Plan Rally

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Market Basket Board to Meet Monday Night

Market Basket Board Confirms Arthur T. Offer, Reaffirms Choices

Overnight Market Basket Workers Sue Company

LIVE UPDATES: Market Basket Employees Rally Friday, Board of Directors to Also Meet

Market Basket Workers Plan Largest Rally Yet for Friday

Arthur T. Demoulas Makes Offer to Buy Market Basket

Arthur T. Demoulas Issues Statement, Urges Fired Market Basket Employees Be Reinstated

If You’re Boycotting Market Basket, Where are You Shopping Now?

Are Politicians Overstepping in Support of Market Basket Boycott?

Elected Officials Statewide Pledge Support for Market Basket Boycott

Despite Firings, Market Basket Employees Continue Fight

LIVE UPDATES: Market Basket Employees Rally Again Monday

Market Basket Warehouse Supervisor Fired, 7 More Terminated

Stores Feel the Pinch, Legislators Chime in as Market Basket Employees Stand Together to Bring Back Ousted CEO Arthur T.

PHOTOS: Market Basket Employees, Customers Rally in Support of Arthur T.

Live Updates: Market Basket Employees, Vendors, Customers to Rally Today in Support of Arthur T.

Market Basket HQ Workers Won’t Show Up for Work Friday in Tewksbury, Plan Rally

Market Basket Deadline Passes, Employees Who Walk Out Will Be Replaced

As Market Basket Deadline Approaches for Artie T., ‘All is Quiet’ from Tewksbury HQ