Store Workers Compare Fight with a ‘Marathon’

Market Basket, Central Plaza, Haverhill.

A group of workers with the Market Basket supermarket chain seeking reinstatement of ousted President and CEO Arthur T. Demoulas are comparing their cause to a run of the Boston Marathon.

The group known as “Save Market Basket” says on its Facebook page, “We are nearing the end of the marathon and we need trust that strength so that we can finish strong. We survived the torture of our Heartbreak Hill on June 23 when ATD, BM and Rocky were fired. Yesterday we ran through the thunderous crowds of Kenmore Square and now we turn on to Boylston Street with the finish line in sight.” According to the group, the company’s board of directors will meet on Friday. “Save Market Basket” also says, “We believe we’ll win this fight and we hope that the right decision is arrived at during Friday’s Board meeting.”

Meanwhile, A chorus of politicians in two states are weighing in on the Market Basket workers protests in support of ousted President and CEO Arthur T. Demoulas. Massachusetts Senator Barry Finegold of Andover was among the speakers at a rally Monday outside a Market Basket store in Tewksbury. Senator Finegold started a petition among lawmakers proposing a boycott of Market Basket until the company’s Board of Directors reinstates Arthur T. Demoulas.

“I am proud to stand with the family of Market Basket workers who have made this great company into what it is today,” said Finegold in a written statement. “Their hard work and dedication to the community has not gone unnoticed. As a state Senator who represents communities that include 2 distribution centers and 4 stores, I know the great impact Market Basket has had providing low cost groceries to families across the state. Today 38 Mayors, Senators, and State Representatives stand with them to protect the legacy and future of this great Massachusetts organization.”

From over the state line, New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan said it’s heartening to see just how much the workers of Market Basket value the company and respect its past, present and future. “Their demonstrations reinforce the strong bond that the company has developed with its employees through decades of fair treatment, support and respect, a bond that has had a positive impact on New Hampshire consumers. I encourage Market Basket leadership to continue in that spirit by listening to their employees’ concerns and seeking to quickly address the situation with a focus on keeping their dedicated workers employed and reducing the impact on customers.”