The group Customers of Market Basket says it will hold rallies on Friday and Saturday in support of the store's employees.

In a press release issued Friday, the group said the first rally will be held Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Manchester, New Hampshire Market Basket store, located on Elm Street. A second rally will be held on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Tewksbury, Massachusetts store, located on Main Street. That store has been the site of several earlier rallies.

"All are welcome. Bring your signs, your T-shirts, your grocery receipts, your giraffes, and your voices to show support for Artie T.," the release said. "Show that you will not be held hostage by the Board of Directors, and that our voices will be heard! We are the Customers of Market Basket, and we are two million strong!"

Friday is the deadline the company gave to its workers to either return to work or be fired. The company sent letters earlier this week to 200 employees who work at headquarters and the company's distribution center in Tewksbury.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick waded into the Market Basket dispute for the first time this week, urging employees to return to work this week while a deal is worked out.