Photo: In solidarity with Market Basket workers, Open Mike Show host Tim Coco donned a store hat, apron and name tag.
As former Market Basket CEO Arthur T. Demoulas made his first statement since being fired, his employees took time to defend him on WHAV’s Open Mike Show last night.
A 21-year employee said she was protesting Demoulas’ dismissal with others Monday night at Haverhill’s West Gate store.
The caller described the day last month when Market Basket’s new management failed to take over the company-owned Indian Ridge Country Club, Andover, where she works.
Another 37-year Haverhill employee said hatred between the two cousins—Arthur S. and Arthur T.—has been building. Now, he believes, Arthur S. is getting even.
He described the new management as having only a Wall Street perspective.
He delved into some of the behind-the-scenes intrigue that kept Arthur T. at the helm as long as he was.
The caller said Rafaela changed sides because of greed.
He described his own path into company leadership thanks to the former CEO and his dad, Telemachus “Mike” Demoulas.
In a written statement, ousted CEO Arthur T. urged the company rehire those workers who were fired over the weekend. He said, “Their fierce loyalty to the company and its customers has always been deeply valued. In the final analysis, this is not about me. It is about the people who have proven their dedication over many years and should not have lost their jobs because of it.”