Market Basket CEOs Tell Employees Return to Work or Be Replaced

By Liz Taurasi

A week in a half after Market Basket workers throughout the chain took a stand in solidarity to stop working until former CEO Arthur T. is back at the helm, were given an ultimatum by company CEOs Wednesday: return to work by Monday or be replaced.

The deadline to employees was issued on Wednesday.

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.

“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 on 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. 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.