Business & Tech

'Save Market Basket' Petition Going Strong Day Before Vote

Employees have collected approximately 80,000 signatures of customers against a change in the store's leadership.

The battle of the heirs of the Market Basket chain appears to be coming to a head this week as one side of the family battles for control over one of New England’s most successful grocery chains, according to the Lowell Sun.

The board of directors is scheduled to meet on July 18, to vote to oust CEO Arthur T. Demoulas, a son of one of the founders, who has been in control of the company since 2008. The fight is being led by Arthur S. Demoulas, the cousin of the CEO, who is also a son of one of the founders.

Employees resistant to the change of leadership have been outside collecting signatures of customers outside of stores throughout the area. In Woburn, Patch caught up with an employee collecting signatures. She said that in all the locations employees have collected approximately 80,000 signatures, just 20,000 short of their 100,000 goal. 

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Check out our video interview on the reason behind the employee petition. 

According to a flier handed out at the store to fill in customers on the need of the petition, the firing of Demoulas would negatively affect both customers and employees. 

"Market Basket Supermarkets is a locally grown, American Success story. 'More for Your Dollar' is more than just a slogan; it's a way of life for tens of thousands of loyal consumers. The company is on the verge of a major shakeup which will change the whole business model by raising prices so that shareholders can make bigger gains - all at the expense of loyal customers and dedicated employees." 

"The board of directors will be voting Thursday, July 18 to fire current CEO Arthur T. Demoulas, who has shepherded this company through a wonderful period of growth. He has always had the best interest of his employees at the forefront of all business decisions, often times at the expense of his own gains." 

Check out the petition here - http://www.thepetitionsite.com/137/178/861/save-market-basket/

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