Market Basket Employees to Have ‘Grand Finale' Rally

From cashiers to store managers, baggers to warehouse workers, the loyalty for ousted CEO Arthur T. Demoulas is palpable

A 'grand finale' rally is being planned for Friday morning as the Market Basket battle continues to rage on as the company’s two new top bosses have yet to give in and employees’ protests grow by the day.

Two dumpsters of spoiled food had to be carted away from the Danvers, Massachusetts, Market Basket after store managers say replacement drivers inexplicably left the truck several yards from the loading dock.

“We called corporate and told them the truck can’t be moved unless there’s a rig or unloaded unless it’s at the door," said Assistant Store Manager Branislav Juric.

Juric says it was frustrating to see store shelves remain empty while produce and dairy products sat outside. He says after more than 24 hours with no action from corporate, the Board of Health was called in.

Town of Danvers Board of Health Environmental Health Inspector Mark Carleo said he, "found a temperature range of 42-55 degrees, I embargoed all of the product on the truck, which means nobody is allowed to removed that product until a dumpster arrived and we could go through the process of a voluntary disposal."

From cashiers to store managers, baggers to warehouse workers, the loyalty for ousted CEO Arthur T. Demoulas is palpable.

"There’s not a CEO in the country that’s like Mr. Demoulas, so we’re here for a reason," Market Basket forklife driver Tom Aylward said.

"Because without him, there is not Market Basket," Dietrich Williams, a 5-year Market Basket employee from Gloucester, said.

Many of these employees are risking a job they can’t afford to lose.

"This job means taking care of my 6 month old that I’ve been working my hardest for to take care of, being a single parent, this is my main job," Megan Sweeney, a cashier from Beverly who has been with the company for four years, said.

So it gives them hope that Artie T, as he’s affectionately known, has offered to buy Market Basket – at least enough shares to control the company.

"I’m hoping he gets what he wants, because we need it," Diane Patterson, an employee in the refrigeration department, said.

"I think it’s good it gives us some hope, I hope it works out for him and all of us," Ed Cloutier, another Market Basket employee, said.

According to the Save Market Basket Facebook page, the "grand finale" rally will be held at 9 a.m. Friday at the Tewksbury Market Basket on Main Street.

There's also Market Basket board meeting Friday afternoon, where supporters are optimistic progress will be made towards Artie T. being reinstated as CEO.

For up-to-the-minute news and weather, be sure to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Contact Us