I searched for content on the Market Basket saga now erupting here in New England on the site, and didn't find anything. Apologies if I missed it. But it's an amazing story about corporate greed, the power of labor, and the community.
Market Basket is a family-owned supermarket chain with @70 stores in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. It has by far the lowest prices around, and has been successful in a difficult market that has seen Shaw's supermarkets close in the area, and the local Johnny's Foodmaster chain fold in 2012.
It is renown not just for its low prices, the sawdust on the floor, and parking lot chaos (especially the Somerville, MA store, aka the Market Basket Death Wish Follies.) Unlike many supermarkets, MB workers tend to stay on for years, sometimes decades. Arthur T. DeMoulas, one of the grandsons of the chain's founder, had run the store well by all accounts: profits have risen over the past few years, and the employees loved him. LOVED HIM.
Then there is Arthur S. DeMoulas, Artie T's cousin and arch nemesis. Arthur S. has accused Artie T. of "reckless spending" and being a poor manager. Artie T. says that Arthur S. wants to raise prices and not treat the employees quite so well. For years, Artie T. has fended off advances from ARthur S. and his supporters.
That all failed this summer, when Artie T. was ejected from his post, and two managers from outside the family -- a former Albertson's director, and a former RadioShack director -- were brought in to run the chain.
And then all hell broke loose.
The workers are, in short, demanding that Artie T. get reinstated. The workers are not unionized but many of them are not reporting to work, anyways. The new owners sent out a not so veiled threat that no-show workers would be fired immediately.
Yet, supply routes to the store have been disrupted, as there are few workers to drive the trucks, unload them and stock the shelves. I had the misfortune of driving behind a truck driven by someone who did not know the route. The stores, with no produce and seafood at this point, look positively spooky. @5,000 workers and supporters rallied today at the company's Tewksbury, MA headquarters.
And a petition is being circulated online to reinstate Artie T. If you read this, and check out the links below and feel so inclined, please sign it and pass it along. MB Strong!!
Sign the petition
July 14
Market Basket workers seek to rally customers
July 15
The saga of Demoulas Market Basket
July 16
Workers demand reinstatement of ousted Market Basket leader
July 17
Market Basket workers plan protest despite threat by company
July 21
At rally, Market Basket workers urged to take protests to stores