Layoffs Officially Begin at Market Basket Stores

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 that are being laid-off today.

Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, issued the following statement at around 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 7:

“We estimate nearly 8,000 people work part time at almost 30 Market Basket stores in New Hampshire. Market Basket is important to our state’s economy and plays a critical role in our communities for both employees and consumers, providing fair living wages to its employees and affordable products to its customers. I have been heartened by the support I have seen across New Hampshire for this New England tradition and by the value New Hampshire citizens place on their neighbors being treated and paid fairly.

“The reports about these reductions in hours are incredibly troubling, as many of these dedicated employees have been showing up for work and clearly value the company’s past, present and future. New Hampshire Employment Security has worked with store managers to ensure that affected employees know about available resources. Many employees, depending on their hours and individual circumstances, are likely eligible for unemployment benefits. We encourage employees to apply online for unemployment benefits, but I know that nothing can compare to the security of a job.

“While this may be a private business dispute, it is having a significant financial impact on New Hampshire – on our families, consumers, farmers and other vendors – and it will create new costs for the state’s Unemployment Trust Fund. I continue to urge Market Basket leadership to listen to the concerns of their employees and customers and reach a constructive resolution in order to keep these dedicated workers employed and reduce the impact on consumers.”

Market Basket employs nearly 9,500 people in total in New Hampshire.

NH Patch will update this post as more information becomes available.