Help Save Market Basket!!!

[jmen24]

Boycott Market Basket!!!!

If any of you that are loyal shoppers and are wanting to know how you can help a company that is at the foundation of our New England community, from the Lakes Region to the Cape, then the employees of Market Basket ask you to shop at a competitors store and then bring your receipt to your local MB and tape it on the front window!!

For more ideas and information, please go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Market-Basket/136649323208808

My wife is a manager at Market Basket, so this hits our household two-fold, 60% of our household income, all of our health insurance and $10K a year in grocery's at PAST MB prices.

We cannot stand by and be squeezed for every extra nickel we have before being cast aside and sold to the highest bidder! This includes YOU the consumer!!!

What will the options be for low price grocery stores! Remember what MB competition did for the communities that did not have a choice!!!

Time to do more than talk about making a difference in your community and act to keep low price food options on the table for your neighbors!!!

We are Market Basket!!!!!

[Scott's Yott]

If we boycott them and they sell no grocerys, then wont they go out of buisness and your wife will have NO job..I dont claim to know the answer, but this doesnt seem to be it to me:idea:

[HellRaZoR004]

I was waiting for someone to start a Market Basket thread but didn't know how they would keep it lakes region specific.

There was a lot of media coverage yesterday, not so much today.

[GTO]

I was waiting for someone to start a Market Basket thread but didn't know how they would keep it lakes region specific.

There was a lot of media coverage yesterday, not so much today.

I heard one of the Managers at Hannafords in Nashua saying that they will be getting food shipments that were supposed to ship to MB. My parents live in Lowell and they went by the Tewksbury MB yesterday and said it was a zoo. Thousands of protesters and parked as far away as Cawley Stadium (if you know Lowell at all) The Demoulas that was ousted lives right up the street from that store and he had people parking all over his lawn. Love that they are all so loyal to the guy. You don't see that these days anymore, he obviousy must of been doing something right. They said the Hannafords across the street was packed with all the registers open. They must be loving it.

[RTTOOL]

All the employees should get together and buy market basket

[jmen24]

If we boycott them and they sell no grocerys, then wont they go out of buisness and your wife will have NO job..I dont claim to know the answer, but this doesnt seem to be it to me:idea:

I at least appreciate your refrain in calling me names this time, but yes she could lose her job! That can be the result of being willing to put a sword in your hand, sometimes you lose the physical battle!!

I am extremely proud of my wife and our friends that feel strong enough to say NO, we will not continue to allow corporate greed to steam roll our communities for the benefit of the few. Everyone will feel the effects of a loss of Market Basket (as we all knew it) in the community. I can remember $3 heads of lettuce at Shaw's in Tilton, can anyone else remember what the local pricing was without the MB?

Taking a stand means more than just typing an opinion or a comment on an internet forum, it means being willing to put it all on the line for someone you don't know!

Just trying to get the word out Scott!

[Nagigator]

From all the reports, there is really nothing left on the shelves of any of the stores, so, until this is settled, that is all the more reason to stay away. I am a loyal customer, and I support the employees...........three of my family members worked for Market Basket over the years, including my Mom, and she was always treated well.

[HellRaZoR004]

The parking lot at the Hudson MB was empty, and had plenty of people outside along 3A with signs as I went by around noon today.

From what I've read, all the stakeholders (family) want is money - and lots of it. Something like $300 million last year...

[MAXUM]

What is so sad here - the owners are FAMILY. That is the shameful part of this whole story.

[Rusty]

I'm in with you jmen24...thanks to your wife for doing her part so that we as consumers can benefit from her personal sacrifice.

[RailroadJoe]

Greed is the main problem. The board of directors are also afraid of losing their status. That is why Arthur S gets his way. I'm all for MB here in NH.

[jetskier]

I heard one of the Managers at Hannafords in Nashua saying that they will be getting food shipments that were supposed to ship to MB. My parents live in Lowell and they went by the Tewksbury MB yesterday and said it was a zoo. Thousands of protesters and parked as far away as Cawley Stadium (if you know Lowell at all) The Demoulas that was ousted lives right up the street from that store and he had people parking all over his lawn. Love that they are all so loyal to the guy. You don't see that these days anymore, he obviousy must of been doing something right. They said the Hannafords across the street was packed with all the registers open. They must be loving it.

The Market Basket that you are referring to is actually in Tewksbury. Arthur T does live just up the road on Longmeadow Drive. I grew up a couple of blocks from there and went to school with Demoulas. This family feud has been going on for decades and the general sense is that Arthur S wants to pull every penny out of the business while Arthur T built the business and has a sense of ownership. I think that if Arthur S is allowed to prevail, it will be a very different company and neither the customers or the employees will be served. I hope that the board comes to their senses and realizes that the only one in charge here is the customers and the message is loud & clear.

Jetskier:cool:

[GTO]

The Market Basket that you are referring to is actually in Tewksbury. Arthur T does live just up the road on Longmeadow Drive. I grew up a couple of blocks from there and went to school with Demoulas. This family feud has been going on for decades and the general sense is that Arthur S wants to pull every penny out of the business while Arthur T built the business and has a sense of ownership. I think that if Arthur S is allowed to prevail, it will be a very different company and neither the customers or the employees will be served. I hope that the board comes to their senses and realizes that the only one in charge here is the customers and the message is loud & clear.

Jetskier:cool:

I also grew up not far from there in Lowell and my parents. Still live there. Maybe we even know each other

[nhcatrider]

As a former long term employee I have to chime in. There are two sides, to keep it simple I'll call them S and T. T has been running the company since his father passed away and has done (in my opinion) an excellent job of satisfying both customers and employees, not an easy task at all. Plus with the generous retirement plan it was a no brainer why someone would want to work for them for the long haul. Now, with S taking over, retirement is in jeopardy as well as wages and customer service. At a meeting a few years ago, T addressed us and told us that he would not be where he is without all of the employees, from senior management all the way down to the part time school kids working on the front end on the weekends. Watching all of this that is going on with the company is heartbreaking to say the least. I do admire the courage that all the employees are showing as well as the loyalty they all have to T. But, if S decides to clean house it will happen. Plus, one of the goals that S has is to destroy something that T has and loves and has dedicated his life to. The next couple of weeks are going to be interesting to say the least. I do hope they all get what they want, which is T reinstated as ceo and all the terminated senior management reinstated.

[secondcurve]

What is so sad here - the owners are FAMILY. That is the shameful part of this whole story.

These people literally have billions and they can't figure out how to share. What a disgrace. I agree it sounds like S. is the culprit. Maybe the employees will destroy the company and there will be nothing left to fight over.

[DBreskin]

Here's some backstory if you're interested:
http://consumerist.com/2014/07/22/forty-year-family-feud-leads-to-empty-shelves-at-70-supermarkets-protests-in-two-states/

While I think T is/has done a good job building the company, he is suffering from his ancestor's misdeeds. The situation is not as clearcut as some may think.

[BroadHopper]

One of the Demoulas family has property there. Which one?

[nhcatrider]

I believe it is Arthur T.

[donnamatrix]

Egad, this battle has been ongoing for 30 years. I agree it is a disgrace that the two sides, after all the time and money spent (lawyers, etc) cannot see their way clear to an agreement. I applaud the efforts of all the Market Basket employees and hope as resolution is found that recognizes their loyalty and work ethic. However, I cannot recall a similar situation where the corporation bowed to employees - except perhaps unionized employees. Such a nasty, no-win situation, because in the end, no matter what agreement is reached, there will be animosity on both sides.

[TiltonBB]

One of the Demoulas family has property there. Which one?

Not on Governors Island. They are on Dockham Shore Road in Gilford. They have 3 houses and some land.

[Just Sold]

Some other Demoulas family members own waterfront property on the right, Pick Point, as you enter the Barber Pole area. Not sure which side of the family it is though. They also rent out boat slips that can be seen on the north side of Pick Point next to the old boat house.

[webmaster]

We are Market Basket!!!!!Emotions seem to be very high at this store in Concord:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Seen outside Storrs St. Market Basket... <a href="http://t.co/zKQfCdQ3XB">pic.twitter.com/zKQfCdQ3XB</a></p>&mdash; Josh Rogers (@joshrogersNHPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshrogersNHPR/statuses/491637467674447872">July 22, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[donnamatrix]

This notification was posted to my FB page. It is the most well-written succinct statement of the emotions of the employees at Market Basket, written by the Store Director in Tilton. This must change: good companies rarely have employees with long histories - but Market Basket does. They won't have them for long:

My name is Mike LeClair. I am the Store Director of Tilton59, a 27 year employee. My wife Tracey I met at Market Basket 25 years ago when she worked in the courtesy booth and I was an assistant up front... I was 17. My family started at MB. This message is to all the people I work with at my store. To all my mentors (Mr. Davis) and to those who have taught me so much, (Mr. Foucher). I'm angry, I'm upset and to be blunt I'm pissed! No more fear... I've spent my entire life at Market Basket. I've worked hard... I've missed my kids’ sports games, their awards, their successes, I've missed family reunions, weddings, and yes funerals. I've been committed, I've done my job. I've got a lot of dents in my head over the years... I am obstinate... I speak up for what I feel is right for my store...my people... My customers. Hear me now... After dealing with the hired security of Felicia Thornton and Jim Gooch for the last two days and after reading their prepared statement and their words of "trust and acceptance are earned and cannot be demanded or imposed" .... I'm done, you Felicia and Jim disrespect us. You have never been to my store, you have never called me. You disrespect my staff and their hard work. Tilton 59 is done with you. I worked today... My day off, yes Store Directors are off on Tuesdays, I worked to support my staff, to answer questions, and yes to protect them. With no respect intended, you Felicia and you Jim are clueless. The Board of directors that hired you should be criminally prosecuted for allowing you to bully us and for the fear you have spread. I'm not afraid anymore. I'm shutting Tilton 59 down Wednesday in every sense of the word. One cashier should be able to handle our business. I'm done with your threats, Tilton 59 associates are done as well. 330 people work with me... You have 330 security guards that work FOR you. Come get the perishable truck you sent that's at the dock unloaded... It will rot before we unload it. My wife and two boys will be outside my store with me Wednesday. I invite my employees to join me. I invite you Felicia and Jim to witness first hand another of your failures. We are not the peasants you think we are. We are all MB educated. We are experts in what we do. We are feared and respected worldwide. You have failed...Artie T is coming back... Kindly close the door on your way out of town.........again....Mike LeClair Store Director Tilton 59, Tilton NH. No more fear or bullying from you in this store. Time for you to go home. Feel free to send this note to the board as well, I’m not afraid.

[dave603]

WBZ news is reporting there is a demonstration going on at the Tilton store right now.

[robmac]

to take a company with zero debt service and for no better reason than greed want to leverage assets for a 250 million dollar gift to share holders and take the risk of ruining a perfectly well running and profitable company is insane. I am not speculating as this is the plan. I am a long time customer and am not happy spending my hard earned dollars elsewhere however if they choose to sink the ship I will not take part in financially helping them

[jetskier]

to take a company with zero debt service and for no better reason than greed want to leverage assets for a 250 million dollar gift to share holders and take the risk of ruining a perfectly well running and profitable company is insane. I am not speculating as this is the plan. I am a long time customer and am not happy spending my hard earned dollars elsewhere however if they choose to sink the ship I will not take part in financially helping them

There is a family history of greed and it appears that the board and Arthur S have an agenda of "milking" the company. I expect that the current board and management will not run the company with the same dedication to customers and employees as Arthur T. Arthur T feels a genuine ownership and pride. As this fight progresses, there may not be a viable company to fight over.

Jetskier:cool:

[tis]

Some other Demoulas family members own waterfront property on the right, Pick Point, as you enter the Barber Pole area. Not sure which side of the family it is though. They also rent out boat slips that can be seen on the north side of Pick Point next to the old boat house.

The guy who owns Pick Point is named Art. Demoulas. I have been told he was THE MB guy, but don't know that for a fact-am pretty sure he is involved with MB somehow though

[donnamatrix]

Arthur T owns property on Little Mark

[GTO]

This notification was posted to my FB page. It is the most well-written succinct statement of the emotions of the employees at Market Basket, written by the Store Director in Tilton. This must change: good companies rarely have employees with long histories - but Market Basket does. They won't have them for long:

My name is Mike LeClair. I am the Store Director of Tilton59, a 27 year employee. My wife Tracey I met at Market Basket 25 years ago when she worked in the courtesy booth and I was an assistant up front... I was 17. My family started at MB. This message is to all the people I work with at my store. To all my mentors (Mr. Davis) and to those who have taught me so much, (Mr. Foucher). I'm angry, I'm upset and to be blunt I'm pissed! No more fear... I've spent my entire life at Market Basket. I've worked hard... I've missed my kids’ sports games, their awards, their successes, I've missed family reunions, weddings, and yes funerals. I've been committed, I've done my job. I've got a lot of dents in my head over the years... I am obstinate... I speak up for what I feel is right for my store...my people... My customers. Hear me now... After dealing with the hired security of Felicia Thornton and Jim Gooch for the last two days and after reading their prepared statement and their words of "trust and acceptance are earned and cannot be demanded or imposed" .... I'm done, you Felicia and Jim disrespect us. You have never been to my store, you have never called me. You disrespect my staff and their hard work. Tilton 59 is done with you. I worked today... My day off, yes Store Directors are off on Tuesdays, I worked to support my staff, to answer questions, and yes to protect them. With no respect intended, you Felicia and you Jim are clueless. The Board of directors that hired you should be criminally prosecuted for allowing you to bully us and for the fear you have spread. I'm not afraid anymore. I'm shutting Tilton 59 down Wednesday in every sense of the word. One cashier should be able to handle our business. I'm done with your threats, Tilton 59 associates are done as well. 330 people work with me... You have 330 security guards that work FOR you. Come get the perishable truck you sent that's at the dock unloaded... It will rot before we unload it. My wife and two boys will be outside my store with me Wednesday. I invite my employees to join me. I invite you Felicia and Jim to witness first hand another of your failures. We are not the peasants you think we are. We are all MB educated. We are experts in what we do. We are feared and respected worldwide. You have failed...Artie T is coming back... Kindly close the door on your way out of town.........again....Mike LeClair Store Director Tilton 59, Tilton NH. No more fear or bullying from you in this store. Time for you to go home. Feel free to send this note to the board as well, I’m not afraid.

Live free or die!! Sad that so many people will lose their jobs but how awesome to be so dedicated.

[nhcatrider]

It's not just the 25000 employees with their jobs on the line. All of the outside vendors (beer companies, coke, pepsi, nabisco, keebler etc) also have a lot on the line with this one. One of my friends works for nabisco, he just got the rest of the week off due to this. A conservative estimate is 100k jobs on the line, from the grocery store to vendors to coffee shops etc. This is going to have an impact on the entire region.

[GTO]

It's not just the 25000 employees with their jobs on the line. All of the outside vendors (beer companies, coke, pepsi, nabisco, keebler etc) also have a lot on the line with this one. One of my friends works for nabisco, he just got the rest of the week off due to this. A conservative estimate is 100k jobs on the line, from the grocery store to vendors to coffee shops etc. This is going to have an impact on the entire region.

Your right, including the local farms that send fresh picked produce to these stores

[AC2717]

not to mention one less competitor so consumer prices could go up, remember the prices in the lakes region before MB showed up in Tilton?

[nhcatrider]

A letter claiming to be from the office was sent out to the stores today, with tomorrows date on it, informing the stores that trucks are to be allowed to make deliveries regardless of who is driving the truck and whose truck it is. It also states that there will be security guards present as well to make sure the truck drivers are not hassled. This is getting more and more interesting by the minute.

[Happy Gourmand]

Very Sad. No matter the outcome, Arthur T and Arthur S will be be just fine thank you, with more money than they can spend. My heart goes out to all the employees and vendors who will suffer financially because of the infighting. I hope the board comes to their senses soon enough to save this company. I drive by 2 Market Baskets on my way to work and again on my way home. I honk in support as I pass by. The protesters acknowledge and appreciate this small support gesture.
Let's all hope and pray for a quick and just resolution.

[jmen24]

I've run out of Thanks, so a HUGE THANK YOU to anyone I missed!!! You guys are getting the big picture, that's awesome!!!

This is about your friends, neighbors, relatives; YOUR community!!!!!

[tis]

This is all very strange. I have never heard of this happening before. It makes one wonder how it all got started and how there is such good organization among the employees. How did they get that many people to join in and risk their jobs? I guess they really like him, but still, I feel like there is something going on here we don't know. Opinions?

[jmen24]

We all know the 40 year back story that led up to last years court ruling, but that is only part of the problem!

Artie is not a saint by any means, but the number one thing he has begged the courts to prevent is his cousin gaining control of the company, as he would crush it in his hands!!

This is what the employees of Market Basket know is coming, because of last year's depositions of Joe Rockwell and Jack Demoulas:

http://wearemarketbasket.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/rockwell_deposition9_3_13.pdf

Jack Demoulas is the man that is currently ordering untrained pickers to load perishable food onto trucks and dropped. He is not a controlling shareholder in the company, he is the Dairy Buyer. -One store received a truck full of empty pallets today, nobody knows where the truck with food in it ended up!!

This is the debrief presented by Arthur S. Demoulas' lawyers on the 10 year court battle:

http://www.lawyersweekly.com/reprints/davismalm2.htm

www.wearemarketbasket.com has additional information!!

[tis]

Ok, jmen, can you explain this to me? If the guy at Pick Point Barber's Pole) is named Jack why does my friend call him Art? If his name is Jack why is he called Art? I don't understand….. Why did I sell him something and he used the name Art? Maybe there was a change of hands??

[nhcatrider]

Last year when S got control of the board there were a bunch of petitions sent around the employees. At this point all of this was out of the public's eyes, and those of us who were managers were being very careful to keep most of it behind the scenes. If we were asked we could comment on it as long as it was made clear that it was our opinion and not the stance of the company. When I left the company things were getting interesting to say the least. When the board asked T about a proposal for the bonuses given in March he told them the checks were already cut. I left shortly after that, but having been in the business for so long I still heard what was going on. When the board fired T last month, along with the two vp's, more senior management resigned to show support. Then the top eight remaining senior managers were organizing all of this to show support for T and to try to pressure the board to reinstate T. Those eight were terminated last Sunday by courier, and the letter that was sent out today indicated that anyone hindering delivery of product would be terminated as well. I think it's a sad state of affairs that has come over this great company, and all the employees show tremendous support for T, they all know that they would not be where they are (and I would not be in the comfortable position) without what he has done, and his father had done before.

[nhcatrider]

Ok, jmen, can you explain this to me? If the guy at Pick Point Barber's Pole) is named Jack why does my friend call him Art? If his name is Jack why is he called Art? I don't understand….. Why did I sell him something and he used the name Art? Maybe there was a change of hands??

The real estate holdings of this family are huge and diverse. They own property under many corporations and trusts, and you may very well have been dealing with either T or S or one of their sons. Could have been one of Jack's as well.

[LIforrelaxin]

This is all a family feud and has been for years.... This is simply the latest attempt to shift the power between the two sides of a very divided family... This time however it has gotten worse because employees have gotten involved as well.... I do feel bad for all those that depend on MB for employment. However it is the employees that will pay the biggest price if this continues to go on...

I haven't been interested in boycotting MB at this point, however I am getting tired of the ridiculous behavior of all involved even down to the store employee level, and may just decide to boycott MB after this mess is resolved. Because basically everyone is acting childish... Just like the DeMoulas Family......

In my mind the manager in Tilton deserves at this point to be fired. Reading his statement in this thread boils my blood... I don't expect him to agree with the issues at the corporate office, however it is entirely disloyal in my opinion, that on his own accord he shut the store down.

These opinions are my own, no one elses, If you don't agree I respect that... Please respect my right to my opinion.

[Winnilifer]

I was speaking to a MB manager, he said that T had 250-300 million earmarked for new MB buildings in New England. These new buildings are in various stages of construction. This money recently got moved to bonuses for the shareholders. If the construction is stopped the communities will have no alternative other than to sue MB.

I feel so sorry for the employees of this company. Will miss MB shopping deals but will wait till this gets fixed.

Go MB

[missedbass]

As an out-of -towner that visits the lakes region once a year, I find the Tilton MB a very nice place to shop. The employee's are friendly and helpful. I hope all the problems get worked out. Take care

[jmen24]

This is all a family feud and has been for years.... This is simply the latest attempt to shift the power between the two sides of a very divided family... This time however it has gotten worse because employees have gotten involved as well.... I do feel bad for all those that depend on MB for employment. However it is the employees that will pay the biggest price if this continues to go on...

I haven't been interested in boycotting MB at this point, however I am getting tired of the ridiculous behavior of all involved even down to the store employee level, and may just decide to boycott MB after this mess is resolved. Because basically everyone is acting childish... Just like the DeMoulas Family......

In my mind the manager in Tilton deserves at this point to be fired. Reading his statement in this thread boils my blood... I don't expect him to agree with the issues at the corporate office, however it is entirely disloyal in my opinion, that on his own accord he shut the store down.

These opinions are my own, no one elses, If you don't agree I respect that... Please respect my right to my opinion.

The doors were not locked and a register was open if you wanted to shop there today, all day!

It's cool tho bro, nobody is going to take your opinion away from you and if they try, stand by your convictions!!

[Rusty]

Where am I going to get some Rotisserie Turkey Thighs that Market Basket has? I eat Turkey Thighs because they not only taste good but they are good for you.

Also I'm sure FLL is going to miss their free coffee. :D

[dave603]

This is all very strange. I have never heard of this happening before. It makes one wonder how it all got started and how there is such good organization among the employees. How did they get that many people to join in and risk their jobs? I guess they really like him, but still, I feel like there is something going on here we don't know. Opinions?

Tis, if you remember the MB stores even just a few years ago, they were ...let's say not top of the line, cheap, but so were a lot of the products offered.
What Art T. decided to do to, as far as I could see from the ones I work and live near, was a total improvement package.
1000% percent improvement for the newer ones we have near us, and or say 500% in the older ones that he just re-did.
The "new" one in Nashua and the older ones near now are offering not only better product, but cheaper prices than any other store near them. That Staff is happy and show it in their helpfulness and friendliness.
I used to only buy the cookout meat at almost anywhere else or a butcher shop. after tasting the new stores meat, I only buy from there, better tasting beef, and cheaper than anyone else.

All and all made for a much better shopping experience, and I never worked there.\
Too bad I now will not shop there in the future unless it changes back the way it was, same CEO, same workers.

[Chaselady]

I completely support the Market Basket employees. I have shopped there since the 80s. I have seen that chain go from a mediocre grocery to a top of the line company offering the best produce at the best prices.
What is going on is beyond belief. I will no longer support their business unless they reinstate Arthur T. And I buy a lot of groceries .

[secondcurve]

This is all very strange. I have never heard of this happening before. It makes one wonder how it all got started and how there is such good organization among the employees. How did they get that many people to join in and risk their jobs? I guess they really like him, but still, I feel like there is something going on here we don't know. Opinions?

Clearly Arthur T is an incredible leader. I have never seen anything like this in my business career either. To command such loyalty from workers, many of whom don't come in day to day contact with the man, is astonishing. Arthur T gets it, that is for sure. Here is hoping he is able to pull off a miracle!

[dave603]

Agreed, there has never been something like this happen before in any American business.

[Patiently Watching]

Arthur S. summers in Tuftonboro (as Tis mentions)...
Shall be an interesting saga to watch.

[tis]

Thank you Patiently, I was told yesterday what you just said that it IS Arthur S. So he would be the not so nice one that they all don't like that has taken over, right?

Jmen, I tried to pm you, but you are not accepting pms?

[chipj29]

In my opinion, the employees better be careful or they may not get what they wish for. I saw on the news last night that at one MB (Reading MA I think) the store manager said his sales for the day were going to be less than $10k. Normal sales on a Weds would be over $200k.

That $190k is going somewhere. People have to buy groceries, no way to avoid it. So they are going to other stores to get what they need. And they may not end up going back to MB.

[dave603]

Art T. has offered to buy out the other side of the family.
Hopefully their greed kicks in and they take his offer.

[nhcatrider]

If greed isn't overpowered by hatred, then it will work. I'm not too optimistic about this one, those two hate each other.

[dave603]

Yes those two do hate each other no doubt.
But there are other members of the board that may not be a close to the fight as we think they are.
I saw someplace, don't remember were, that they are losing at least $90K per store. They may back off the fight losing $6M a day.

Guess we won't know anything until the board meets Friday.

[tabascocat98]

Thank you to MB employees for saying enough is enough when it comes to corporate greed. And loyalty to a company and good boss is great to see. I support them in their quest. But they are not the first to speak against corporate greed---let us all wake up before it is too late. But I guess when we say "corporations are people" we are indeed on a slippery slope.

[codeman671]

This sums it up...

[jrc]

I hope I'm not witnessing the beginning of the end of one of my New England favorites. Family infighting in the middle of a business cannot help the business. Take this feud outside and let the business continue.

[fatlazyless]

Also I'm sure FLL is going to miss their free coffee. :D

For a truly super-duper supermarket, you wanna go to Heath's Supermarket in Centre Harbor which always has a variety of five or six different freebie courtesy coffee flavors in a luxurious styrofoam cup, and for free too, to their paying customers....my type of price!

[donnamatrix]

This was posted on bostonchannel.com today. If you want to put your money where your mouth is, and help -- go to this site
http://www.gofundme.com/bzt0qk

[Resident 2B]

Hopefully, for the good of the great folks that are part of the Market Basket team, Arthur T's offer to buy a controlling interest in the company will be accepted at today's meeting. I see this as the only way Market Basket will be able to move forward in the likeness we all know and enjoy.

Second best option would be a sell-out to a company that wants to restore the working environment that made Market Basket what it was up until this June. To do this, they would need to bring back ATD at least to re-establish order.

Worse situation would be a continuation of the present ownership meaning a continuation of this standoff.

Come on Market Basket BoD! Do what is right for the company and all the people that have worked hard to make it what it is today. These people deserve better than what they have endured the last several weeks. Today, you can do the right thing or you can set the stage for a major financial disaster impacting too many people here in the Lakes Region and in New England.

R2B

[panjumbie]

This is currently on the ABC News webpage:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/family-feud-sparks-revolt-grocery-store-chain-24707040

[dave603]

Market Basket board will consider buyout, stands by new CEOs

Read more: http://www.wmur.com/money/market-basket-employees-stage-massive-rally-at-headquarters/27143304#ixzz38VekBvBi

[nhcatrider]

I think there is going to be a major shakeup in the structure of the company. My best guess is you will see a bunch of management replaced at all levels, from the top down to department managers in the stores. I did the job for many years, it isn't rocket science to run a store. What is difficult is dealing with the employees and customers and making them feel like family. The next year is going to be an interesting one for this company.

[Rusty]

My goodness, when is this going to be over?

It's OK to like your CEO and protest because he was fired, but to walk off your job for this length of time is really just hurting the workers. The billionaire owners will get their money back but it will take a long time for the workers to recover.

IMHO someone is getting some bad advice about this whole thing.

I really never thought it would go this far when jmen24 started this post.

Even a strong union wouldn't have the Rocky Mountain Oysters to walk out like this.

[RailroadJoe]

Think of the Minutemen of 1776. Strong convictions.

[tis]

I did find out for sure it is Arthur S-the one nobody seems to like who lives by the Barber's Pole.

[dpg]

For a truly super-duper supermarket, you wanna go to Heath's Supermarket in Centre Harbor which always has a variety of five or six different freebie courtesy coffee flavors in a luxurious styrofoam cup, and for free too, to their paying customers....my type of price!

Must you keep planting these posts just to get a rise out of people?

[Rusty]

Must you keep planting these posts just to get a rise out of people?

It's my fault that FLL talked about free coffee. On my post #45 I said the following: "I'm sure FLL is going to miss their free coffee."

[SIKSUKR]

My local MB and one of the newest locations in Bedford has been empty.I have not drove through in front of the main doors but it looks as if its actually closed.3 times this weekend I drove by and saw maybe 10 cars when there are always hundreds.There were more more people protesting in front than cars in the lot.Never seen anything like this.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Thank you to MB employees for saying enough is enough when it comes to corporate greed. And loyalty to a company and good boss is great to see. I support them in their quest. But they are not the first to speak against corporate greed---let us all wake up before it is too late. But I guess when we say "corporations are people" we are indeed on a slippery slope.

Sorry to be a bit off topic, but....what about GOVERNMENT GREED? They are the greediest of all in my book. Local, State, Federal, whatever. They spend more than they have, then come looking for more from all of us. They have no limits and just keep on spending. At least the "greedy" corporation that was Market Basket actually created jobs and paid taxes. Show me one government entity that has done the same.

[SIKSUKR]

Sorry to be a bit off topic, but....what about GOVERNMENT GREED? They are the greediest of all in my book. Local, State, Federal, whatever. They spend more than they have, then come looking for more from all of us. They have no limits and just keep on spending. At least the "greedy" corporation that was Market Basket actually created jobs and paid taxes. Show me one government entity that has done the same.

How's this SP?

[Kamper]

I can walk to a Shaw's or drive 10 minutes to Market Basket. I usually do the drive. I guess I'll be doing more walking until this is settled. Of course, it Shaw's goes back to their higher cost ways I can go to the Hannaford's in Nashua.

[RailroadJoe]

Thomas Jefferson. One of the greatest that ever lived in America. Heed his words.

[tabascocat98]

Don't forget the corporate welfare via tax breaks given to these corporations! We feed their greed. Enough is enough.

[Seaplane Pilot]

How's this SP?

Spectacular SS! Thanks for sharing.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Don't forget the corporate welfare via tax breaks given to these corporations! We feed their greed. Enough is enough.

Forget "corporate" welfare, what about "personal" welfare. Tell me that's not out of control? :fire:

[patman]

How's this SP?

...except that Jefferson never said that...

http://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/two-enemies-people-are-criminals-and-governmentquotation

Getting back to MB, I hope this gets resolved and ATD is restored as CEO, but greed and family feuds run deep, so I fear the board and ASD will let it burn. Sad...

[pcmc]

This is unreal how kin get their hands on a business and eff it up. I hate greed!

My hats off to every employee having to put up with this dis-functional family. They are damaging more families then their own, what a shame.

[ITD]

Let's keep politics out of this folks, this battle has been simmering in this family for years, I'm sure the last thing on their minds is political agendas.

I could certainly stir the political pot up, but that isn't what this story is about. Our webmaster has allowed this thread even though lake content is shaky, let's not force him to shut it down....


If I can refrain, you can too!!!

[HellRaZoR004]

On my way to work this morning there were still ~8 people with signs and cars blasting their horns as I went by. This was the Hudson NH store. Parking lot was still pretty empty.

Has anyone been inside any of the area stores recently? Curious if the shelves are really bare.

[nhcatrider]

Perishable departments are empty, frozen is full and canned goods are somewhat stocked. Word is now the perishable warehouse is shut down due to bad food inside.

[fatlazyless]

....signs of increased food buying shows up locally at the Hannaford-Meredith when all the large $1.59 cans of Hannaford brand sliced peaches are out of stock. No way will I pay 2.29 for the Delmonte brand in the next slot on the shelf .....it's 1.59 peaches or nothing. omg.....all out of canned peaches ..... someone please call the peach police?

[ITD]

....signs of increased food buying shows up locally at the Hannaford-Meredith when all the large $1.59 cans of Hannaford brand sliced peaches are out of stock. No way will I pay 2.29 for the Delmonte brand in the next slot on the shelf .....it's 1.59 peaches or nothing. omg.....all out of canned peaches ..... someone please call the peach police?

The peach police should be called on you for buying canned when fresh is available.

[upthesaukee]

The peach police should be called on you for buying canned when fresh is available.
FLL needs to buy canned...we certainly don't want sharp instruments in his hands while he attempts to cut up fresh:laugh:;).

[SIKSUKR]

...except that Jefferson never said that...

http://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/two-enemies-people-are-criminals-and-governmentquotation

Getting back to MB, I hope this gets resolved and ATD is restored as CEO, but greed and family feuds run deep, so I fear the board and ASD will let it burn. Sad...

I never claimed he did. I was just throwing Seaplane a bone from his previous post. Looks like Ayn Rand probably made that statement but it sounds much better coming from TJ.:D

[MAXUM]

....signs of increased food buying shows up locally at the Hannaford-Meredith when all the large $1.59 cans of Hannaford brand sliced peaches are out of stock. No way will I pay 2.29 for the Delmonte brand in the next slot on the shelf .....it's 1.59 peaches or nothing. omg.....all out of canned peaches ..... someone please call the peach police?

Hmm - I look at it this way

Delmonte - Union Shop
Delhaize (produces Hanniford "My Essentials" brand) Non Union.

Just remember by not buying Delmonte you are supporting "corporate greed" and "poor treatment" of the non-union workers.

[Rusty]

Hmm - I look at it this way

Delmonte - Union Shop
Delhaize (produces Hanniford "My Essentials" brand) Non Union.

Just remember by not buying Delmonte you are supporting "corporate greed" and "poor treatment" of the non-union workers.

Thanks for the info...for me it will be "My Essentials".

[MAXUM]

Thanks for the info...for me it will be "My Essentials".

Right there with ya!

[NH_boater]

Hmm - I look at it this way

Delmonte - Union Shop
Delhaize (produces Hanniford "My Essentials" brand) Non Union.

Just remember by not buying Delmonte you are supporting "corporate greed" and "poor treatment" of the non-union workers.

Are you saying that unioned businesses are all good and non-union businesses are 'corporate greedy' and 'poor treaters' of employees?

[MAXUM]

Are you saying that unioned businesses are all good and non-union businesses are 'corporate greedy' and 'poor treaters' of employees?

Not me... I think unions have long outlived their usefulness and are a menace from their political leanings.

The United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 President Tom McNutt issued the following statement Jan. 13 in response to Delhaize America’s decision to close 126 Bloom, Food Lion and Bottom Dollar stores across the country, including the remaining Bloom in Ashburn and one of the two Blooms in Leesburg:

“First, let me offer my deepest sympathies to the workers who are losing their jobs as a result of these closings. They have been ill-served by global corporate greed, perpetrated in their case by a multinational conglomerate that treats its workers well in Europe but denies American workers their right to union representation, to earn a living wage, and to job security.

Second, I believe this massive wave of closings demonstrates the failure of Delhaize’s low-road approach to doing business in America. Corporate executives in Brussels viewed the U.S. as if it was a Third World country — as a place where they could make a quick buck by driving their labor costs down to the lowest possible level. What they discovered was what they already knew in Europe — that a fairly compensated, fully-empowered, well-treated workforce provides the stability, productivity and quality service that are essential to long-term success in the retail grocery industry."

Now I think it's time to get back to our regularly scheduled programming as this is going WAY off topic.

[HellRaZoR004]

I don't think this is going to stop any time soon - just read somewhere that MB is holding a 3-day job fair for all positions next week. Just me speculating but it sounds like they are going to fire those boycotting and fill the positions with people who need the job?

However - this won't change the public's perception of the entire ordeal. Perhaps make it worse?

[patman]

just read somewhere that MB is holding a 3-day job fair for all positions next week. Just me speculating but it sounds like they are going to fire those boycotting and fill the positions with people who need the job?

It'll be interesting to hear what the grounds for firing are. If you walked off the job, fine. If not...that's where it starts to get sticky. Sounds like at least some workers are picketing on their own time:

Unlike in other job actions, the Market Basket workers aren't striking. Most employees remain on the job and pick up the protest before or after work.

http://www.wmur.com/money/market-basket-workers-customers-continue-protests/27212662#!breQ3J

The statement from the board (yesterday?) said they were considering several offers in addition to ATD's, yet blamed things on ATD, so I interpreted that as a "when hell freezes over" volley.

While Mr. Demoulas’ offer provides a path toward solving many of the problems he has helped to create, it is but one alternative among the options the Board is reviewing.

http://www.wbur.org/2014/07/29/market-basket-scenarios

[HellRaZoR004]

I'm sure a lawyer could argue that what these employees are doing is hurting the company.

And....in NH I believe each employee is considered at-will and therefore can be terminated with no reason whatsoever.

[Rusty]

I'm still stunned that it has lasted this long.

Where is jmen24 who started this thread?

Certainly he must have some information to share with us.

[MAXUM]

I'm sure a lawyer could argue that what these employees are doing is hurting the company.

And....in NH I believe each employee is considered at-will and therefore can be terminated with no reason whatsoever.

So I would agree that any employee who is encouraging shoppers to go elsewhere, or not showing up for work would be grounds for termination. Picketing the firing of the CEO? Not so sure about that one, to me that's their constitutional right of free speech.

[tis]

You are right, it is an at will state.

[MAXUM]

That's interesting - I sat on a jury hearing a case in for wrongful termination in NH. So I'm confused. The plaintiff was an hourly worker and was not employed via any kind of employment contract.

[tis]

It doesn't mean they still can't take their employer to court or file a complaint with the labor board. That's why I think "at will" is a big joke.

[ishoot308]

It doesn't mean they still can't take their employer to court or file a complaint with the labor board. That's why I think "at will" is a big joke.

You are 100% correct Tis. While NH is an "at will" state, as a business owner you better have your ducks in a row if you plan on terminating someone, including records of verbal and multiple written warnings prior to termination.

The employer is almost always at the losing end of a wrongful termination suit if the company does not follow proper protocol.

Dan

[MAXUM]

You are 100% correct Tis. While NH is an "at will" state, as a business owner you better have your ducks in a row if you plan on terminating someone, including records of verbal and multiple written warnings prior to termination.

The employer is almost always at the losing end of a wrongful termination suit if the company does not follow proper protocol.

Dan

And in the case I sat on the plaintiff won some restitution. What I found fascinating with the case was the plaintiff was documented by the employer and formally warned by the employer about illegal activity the employee was engaged in at the work place numerous times - yet still the majority of the jury insisted that the plaintiff was targeted, harassed and then terminated. In the end the compromise the jury came to was not to find the employer guilty of wrongful termination, but still the plaintiff was awarded an undisclosed sum of money.

[dave603]

Market Basket board tells employees to get back to work


Read more: http://www.wmur.com/money/market-basket-board-tells-employees-to-get-back-to-work/27232938#ixzz38znE7NLC

[tis]

And in the case I sat on the plaintiff won some restitution. What I found fascinating with the case was the plaintiff was documented by the employer and formally warned by the employer about illegal activity the employee was engaged in at the work place numerous times - yet still the majority of the jury insisted that the plaintiff was targeted, harassed and then terminated. In the end the compromise the jury came to was not to find the employer guilty of wrongful termination, but still the plaintiff was awarded an undisclosed sum of money.

Just one more reason why it is so discouraging to be in business today. I predict that if things continue no one will want to run a business in the future.

[ITD]

Market Basket board tells employees to get back to work


Read more: http://www.wmur.com/money/market-basket-board-tells-employees-to-get-back-to-work/27232938#ixzz38znE7NLC



It's tough to work when you have no customers.....

[upthesaukee]

Talked about the workers in the Rochester MB were painting, cleaning, and generally sprucing up the store when they had no customers to wait on. Pretty decent kids...and most of them are just that.

[Rusty]

It's tough to work when you have no customers.....

I read where MB is holding a customer fair, to replace all the lost customers.

[dave603]

According to the ad in the Boston Globe, the open house for job applications on Monday, is for current employees only, Wednesday is for anyone else.
If they are doing what I've seen other companies do in the past, they will offer them their jobs back at a lower pay rate, and less bennies.
This is only going to make things worse than they are with the current employees.
Keep boycotting ART $.'s MB, wait for for Art T. to get it back.

[Rusty]

http://www.wmur.com/image/view/-/27242084/highRes/1/-/maxw/620/-/yc4vnhz/-/MB-photo-JPG.jpg

[RANGER CANOE CO]

And love it when the every day, regular folks stand up to the Greedy Corporate World we seen to live in. :)

[P-3 Guy]

So I would agree that any employee who is encouraging shoppers to go elsewhere, or not showing up for work would be grounds for termination. Picketing the firing of the CEO? Not so sure about that one, to me that's their constitutional right of free speech.

The constitutional right of free speech means that the government can't punish you for saying something. There is no constitutional right of free speech in the employer-employee relationship. Any business would be perfectly within its rights to fire any employee that picketed the firing of the CEO, absent an employment contract that states otherwise.

I get a chuckle every time a hear about an employee that mouths off to his or her boss, gets fired (duh!), and then claims a constitutional violation of their free speech rights.

[donnamatrix]

Evidently MB has taken out front page ad in Boston Globe advertising work fairs next week. And, a labor-lawyer has provided how the law is viewed:

But workers News 9 has spoken with during the protests said they have been rallying during their off-hours and working their shifts. Some have said they're worried about getting fired.

Labor and employment lawyer James Reidy, of Sheehan, Phinney, Bass and Green, said that as long as employees keep fighting for better working conditions for the company as a whole, their actions are protected under the National Labor Relations Act, despite the fact the workers are not unionized.

[gus62]

I certainly understand the law and appreciate what the employees want however has it ever been determined that their working conditions deteriorated since Artie T. was replaced or are they believing that they will in the future? If this is the case then how would they be protected by the NLRB based on future concerns with no real differences at this time.

[dave603]

Say they do decide to fire...oh let's say 15000 of the workers.
that a LOT of money to have to pay out in one to three days!
http://www.scribd.com/doc/235571747/Letter-to-DeMoulas-Super-Markets-from-N-H-Mass-Attorneys-General

[diz]

Say they do decide to fire...oh let's say 15000 of the workers.

that a LOT of money to have to pay out in one to three days!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/235571747/Letter-to-DeMoulas-Super-Markets-from-N-H-Mass-Attorneys-General


Maybe I'm cynical but why do the politicians feel the need to send this letter? Do the AGs think Market Basket is unaware of state law? Having lived in Mass. For many years this feels like part of Coakley's campaign.

[dave603]

I have to agree there.
I thought it was unusual that they both sent the letter together?
Sort of makes it invalid in some way.

[Rusty]

You'll be surprised about how many "scabs" are waiting in the wings to take your job when something like this happens.

Remember Simplex Wire in Newington NH, 1977?

The company is still running and doing very well.

[diz]

You'll be surprised about how many "scabs" are waiting in the wings to take your job when something like this happens.

Remember Simplex Wire in Newington NH, 1977?

The company is still running and doing very well.

I'm having trouble getting my head around this...

1. MB isn't a union shop. I've always understood the term scab to be a reference to non-union employees in a union shop.

2. According to the news the employees are protesting during their off time so they should have no reason to worry about being fired, especially since MB issued a note saying they could come back Monday with no fear of retribution.

3. Have any benefits actually been cut or changed in any way? The media leaves me with the impression that the answer is no.

I'm not trying to take a position on the issue. I just wonder how it got to the point where employees are protesting, customers are forced to shop elsewhere and both politicians and MB are using the media to reiterate laws and advertise job fairs.

[Rusty]

I couldn't think of a better word to use for the person who might take the place of a fired MB employee. :D

Do you have one?

[diz]

I couldn't think of a better word to use for the person who might take the place of a fired MB employee. :D

Do you have one?

I don't because I'm still not sure what's really happening. I've seen a lot of news footage of empty shelves, protesting employees and trucks being turned away from loading docks. If the MB employees care so much about the MB family, doesn't that include customers? And the health of the company itself?

All this makes me wonder how a profitable company with such loyal employees and great benefits can bring itself to the position they're in.

[Bigstan]

I couldn't think of a better word to use for the person who might take the place of a fired MB employee. :D

Do you have one?

It's a little early for that....as they are still playing chicken. Who will blink 1st? I bet the workers pockets are not as deep as the companies....and something as simple as the company saying they will keep the status quo in all ways with customers and emplyees ends the dispute. You can want your CEO back all you want, but you can only hope to influence that decision, not force it.

But what would I call your 'scabs'? A couple possibilities.....

1. Unemployed - someone who needs a job and who will take one in a heartbeat.

2. Ambitous - someone who sees an opportunity to advance their position and sees a great chance to do so.

3. Capitalists - if you can make more money there than you make currently then you take the job.

Nothing wrong with any of the above in my opinion.....if customers differ they dont come back and the company folds - the market will correct itself and we will see who was right.....I am thinking of becoming a 'scab' customer, I am ready to go back and the stores are not empty of anything save produce by me.

Realistically it won't come to that. 5000-15000 employees will not walk away in this economy, and the company cannot hope to hire and train that many replacements. Someone will blink....

[RailroadJoe]

Sure noting has changed under benefits, Now, that is. But wait a few months under the Co-COs are i comand. Then changes to bonuses, cuts in medical plus a few more nasty deals. I'm all for the employes. They deserve a man mike Arther T to lead them, not a greedy bunch of relatives calling the shots behind the CEO's.

[tis]

I am still wondering what is going on too. How do they know that Arthur S is so bad? Have they been told if he takes over specifically what will happen? There must be at least a LITTLE BIT of another half to this story other than what we are hearing. There must be a reason why the board wants to get rid of Arthur T. Anyone know the inside scoop?

[Kamper]

From what I've read in the news, most of the employees are reporting for their shifts and picketing on their own time.

[chipj29]

Sure noting has changed under benefits, Now, that is. But wait a few months under the Co-COs are i comand. Then changes to bonuses, cuts in medical plus a few more nasty deals. I'm all for the employes. They deserve a man mike Arther T to lead them, not a greedy bunch of relatives calling the shots behind the CEO's.

How do you know that this is going to happen?

[nhcatrider]

Having seen some of the memos that went around before I left, ASD wants to cut the bonuses and profit sharing so he can put the money in his own pockets. With the profit sharing we are talking about a plan that is currently worth over 1/2 BILLION dollars, none of which has come out of employee paychecks. As for the bonuses, rumor was christmas was in excess of $35 million each year. Add it up, it's a lot of money. I can understand why a greedy person would want to put their fingers in the pie. Remember, we are talking about someone who makes millions every year, is worth over $1 billion, and it isn't enough.

[gus62]

Just playing devils advocate. You keep saying ASD wants all the money when in reality it would go to all stockholders where ASD is around 17% ownership. Yes his "side" has a slight majority so his actions would/should be based on their wants and not just his.
Any monies that are in a retirement profit sharing fund can not be touched, only the future contributions could change.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

If these employees do not go back to work on Monday, will they expect to collect unemployment benefits?

[nhcatrider]

Depends on how the company puts their reason for unemployment. If they can prove the employee quit, then no they can not collect. If the employee is involuntarily terminated, in Mass they have to be paid all monies owed to them at the end of the day, in NH it's three days.

[tis]

That's what I always thought, but we have had employees quit and they have collected unemployment. I have never figured that out.

[nhcatrider]

I had one quit several years ago and tried to collect. We asked for a hearing and got it squashed.

[Rusty]

Market Basket here they come with resume in hand:

http://patriotsbillboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/illegalsbringpandemic1.jpg

[Farfrumbehavin]

Now that we are at 129 post, all of which have been very informative, written buy very many people with many views from different sides. I have a much better understanding of what's going on here. Suprised at how long this has gone on, while we are waiting for the next chapter of this book to end, let's get our pull our crystal ball down off the shelf, dust it off and tell me what you see looking into the future. The majority of what I know about the situation is what I have read here. Never really knew how employees felt about the company. We shopped at the Tilton store, went in worked our way through the crowd, happy to leave with our groceries knowing that we had saved come money compared to having shopped at Shaw's, where we would have had the store to ourselves. My crystal ball may need calibration but what I see, (because I have become a cynic because I am usually the bug and not the windshield) is that It's obvious that there are huge EGO's at play here given the history, and the person and people who have the power know they have it, and it has come down to simply winning at any cost.When the job fairs are over and everyone has been replaced, qaulified or not, and don't kid yourself, there are people who will take these jobs, the stores will soon be back open and cooperate greed will win again. And if people can SAVE $ by shopping at MB that is exactly what they will do. I can't make it a better place to work, but we are in a world where the rich just get richer, it sucks but it's the way capitalism works. Then the stores will fill back up with customers. Not because they are happy with the outcome but because they will save money. I like many people Hate shopping at Wal-Mart. but there are items that I will go in there for that I save big on, so I do it. We are on a budget! bottom line and my bottom line is more important to me than Arthur S's bottom line. I like 99.9% of shoppers will be gald they supported the efforts of the MB family,but when the smoke clears and everyone forgets about the whole thing because it's not a news story any more, they will be back in the stores taking advantage of the savings if that's where the savings are. I wished this whole issue would change they way they look at how they treat there customers and employees but the bottom line is the bottom line!

[dave603]

Are now suing for the reasons listed in the AGs letter.
MB has dug themselves a big hole to get out of.

[Bigstan]

Are now suing for the reasons listed in the AGs letter.
MB has dug themselves a big hole to get out of.

Not really. The managers weren't working, witholding of some or all of a bi-weekly check is thus ok.

Failure to provide an accounting of the profit sharing plan - not available on demand. Sorry, you have to wait for that, it is not due upon termination. Those plans are regulated - I would bet there is legal counsel that knows the requisite timeframes - but safe to say you cannot have a statement on demand.

Spreading disinformation is the key here (willingful or otherwise) - making assumptions based on nothing, basing assumptions on what people think management will do......solidarity is great to see, but everything points towards a management win unless the offer is taken. Boiled down it's 'Corporate greed bad - employees good'. That ends one way...

[dave603]

Not to sure about that, at least for the first guy they fired. They fired him on the Sunday after this started Friday late afternoon, by courier.
Unless his last paycheck was also with the termination letter, by Mass. law, they broke the rules.
Also depends on what reason they used. He was upper level management, so who knows if he is covered or not, but it was becuase he was talking, but after hours.
He may have a case here. Which is only going to muddy the waters even more.

[MAXUM]

I am so sick and tired of hearing the term corporate greed. So if a company decides to circle the wagons, cut back on salaries, employees, benefits or whatever that is considered corporate greed. If executives are given performance bonuses because such actions help stabilize the company and improve profitability they are scoffed at as being evil and greedy. OK fine, then let me introduce the term of employee greed. Employees that expect, insist and demand that they get what they want even if it hurts the bottom line of the company they work for. They expect that holding a menial job means that somehow that is worth a certain salary even though what they do requires no specific talent, skill or education. They demand lavish benefits, profit sharing and bonuses completely clueless as to the cost associated with not only having them as an employee, or what it takes to run a business.

Capitalism isn't evil, in fact it's awesome because it allows anyone who is smart enough, willing enough, eager enough and bold enough to start their own business to do so. Is is a guarantee of success NO, but the chance is there. Is it always fair, nope, but what in life really is? Those that are successful sometimes do get rich and I applaud them for doing so. Why should they not enjoy the spoils of their hard work?

Am I a rich guy? Hell no, I am merely an employee of a company where I know executives that sit well above me are making millions per year benefiting on the contributions that I make every day, that's why I have a job in the first place to provide value. Am I envious of them, no. Do I think it's fair? Well let me put it this way, I am not capable of doing their job, I have neither the background, experience or level of education to do what they do. I also would not want the responsibility, stress or headaches they have to deal with on a daily basis. While it's true they do make a handsome sum of money and do enjoy perks I'll never get, there is a reason for that. Not just anyone can do their job. Therefore for any company to get the best talent they will offer what perks will attract what they are looking for. In the same way the position that I fill not just anyone can do so therefore I am compensated accordingly and get perks others may not get. That is the way things work, don't like it better yourself! I didn't start off in the position that I'm in I worked for it, and very hard. Anyone says to me "must be nice" well it is, but it didn't come cheap and I refused to be just a 40 hour a week widget maker. Been there done that and decided I'm better than that. For those that are satisfied to do that kind of work, or have no ambition to do anything else, don't complain, you made that decision and it has nothing to do with corporate greed.

[tis]

I am so sick and tired of hearing the term corporate greed. So if a company decides to circle the wagons, cut back on salaries, employees, benefits or whatever that is considered corporate greed. If executives are given performance bonuses because such actions help stabilize the company and improve profitability they are scoffed at as being evil and greedy. OK fine, then let me introduce the term of employee greed. Employees that expect, insist and demand that they get what they want even if it hurts the bottom line of the company they work for. They expect that holding a menial job means that somehow that is worth a certain salary even though what they do requires no specific talent, skill or education. They demand lavish benefits, profit sharing and bonuses completely clueless as to the cost associated with not only having them as an employee, or what it takes to run a business.

Capitalism isn't evil, in fact it's awesome because it allows anyone who is smart enough, willing enough, eager enough and bold enough to start their own business to do so. Is is a guarantee of success NO, but the chance is there. Is it always fair, nope, but what in life really is? Those that are successful sometimes do get rich and I applaud them for doing so. Why should they not enjoy the spoils of their hard work?

Am I a rich guy? Hell no, I am merely an employee of a company where I know executives that sit well above me are making millions per year benefiting on the contributions that I make every day, that's why I have a job in the first place to provide value. Am I envious of them, no. Do I think it's fair? Well let me put it this way, I am not capable of doing their job, I have neither the background, experience or level of education to do what they do. I also would not want the responsibility, stress or headaches they have to deal with on a daily basis. While it's true they do make a handsome sum of money and do enjoy perks I'll never get, there is a reason for that. Not just anyone can do their job. Therefore for any company to get the best talent they will offer what perks will attract what they are looking for. In the same way the position that I fill not just anyone can do so therefore I am compensated accordingly and get perks others may not get. That is the way things work, don't like it better yourself! I didn't start off in the position that I'm in I worked for it, and very hard. Anyone says to me "must be nice" well it is, but it didn't come cheap and I refused to be just a 40 hour a week widget maker. Been there done that and decided I'm better than that. For those that are satisfied to do that kind of work, or have no ambition to do anything else, don't complain, you made that decision and it has nothing to do with corporate greed.

Wow, Maxum! What a post! I feel the same way, I get so tired of hearing about corporate greed. Maybe it is true in some cases. But I never thought of the fact that employees are being greedy when they want all for themselves and don't care about the company they work for. Excellent post! You said it very well!! Thanks!

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Perhaps the employees should pool their money and buy out the existing shareholders, then they can run the company any way they wish. Last I checked, MB was a privately owned company and is run by the CEO who was elected by the directors who in turn were elected by the shareholders - who are the OWNERS. The present management may be unpopular but nothing has been done that is illegal or unethical.

If new policies are enacted that cause the company to no longer be competitive then we the customers will shop elsewhere. Likewise, if the employees without employment contracts do not like the way they are being treated or compensated, they can go work for another company.

[jeffk]

This is not a fight between the corporate world and the little guys. This is a fight between 2 different business philosophies. One, ATD, wants to build the business, new stores, more customers, better trained and happier employees. He keeps prices low to attract customers although this reduces profit per customer, he hopes to build more volume. To accomplish this, a lot of the profits are returned to the business to pay for all this. The result of this, eventually, is a business with a larger customer base and increased business value.

The other, ASD, wants higher profit per customer. That will probably mean higher prices. That may mean less employee perks and other costs. He also wants more profit available to shareholders, including himself. Part of accomplishing this is stopping store expansion and retaining the money for shareholders instead. All this can be a working philosophy. Many stores charge higher prices and are successful. (Apple) This philosophy can also lead to a more profitable business by cutting costs. It definitely yields more to the shareholders, who, like it or not, own the business and are entitled to the profits. If you deposited money in a bank, how would you feel if the bank told you that you would have to wait 15 years for them to grow the business until you got your money and profit back?

The question is, can MB compete against Hannafords and others if they no longer have a low price and friendly store advantage? I personally doubt it.

But don't believe that ATD doesn't want corporate profits. He's just taking a more long term approach of building the business to get them.

[dave603]

@ Jeff. YES
And on top of that what ATD is doing is adding jobs to a crappy economy whenever he adds another store. In order to build the business he needs the customers and the employees, and keep prices down. If MB raises their prices, with all the current wolves at the door waiting for it, MB is dead period.
The current board with the BS they have pulled, have stopped the expansion of at least two stores in Mass. that I know about.

So yes Tis and Maxum, it's not just about the greed here. ATD at least was adding much needed jobs, while supplying much needed prices.

[RailroadJoe]

To those who are still confused about where the problem bega, please check post #16with the following
http://consumerist.com/2014/07/22/fo...in-two-states/

It all goes bank to the father of Arther T. He was the baddie. Arther T has done a better job at CEO than many others that I have encountered in my work life.

[Farfrumbehavin]

Well said Maxum, One thing we have in common is that I have spent my life bettering myself and trying to motivate greedy employees to do the same for every ones sake. I left high school into a very difficult economy. Living on my own, supporting myself at 17 yrs old, handed nothing. Started at the bottom anywhere I went, and worked hard for everything i have. I went to night school at 3 different colleges over a six year period to achieve the level of education I needed to pursue my goals. I ran my own business for a few years and took a good job in a good company so someone else could handle the bull**** and I could do what I'm good at. Of course I have people above me who have taken all the risk and provided me with a very good job and I am very grateful. It wasn't always that way but I did something about it! I am very valuable to the people that I work for and am very happy with the level of compensation. But I like some people, have, along the way worked at one time or another for some very greedy people, just a fact. Call it what you want i choose to call it what it is. I worked for a family business that two brothers inherited and both worked but had no idea what it took to get there. Could not and did not appreciate the employee that worked very hard to try to make things better for everybody in the company. Cut operating cost every way they could including cutting employees benefits and lowering pay scales. I managed projects that saved these guys tens of thousands of dollars and they showed no appreciation. l call it the shell game where the pea always ends up in there pocket. My understanding of what may be happening here with MB, at least what I have heard from employees who were petitioning signatures, was that without the guy who wears the white hat they stand to loose many of the benefits that make it such a good place for them to work. And the good employees are not the greedy ones. The are the ones who appreciate the way they have been treated an know what they have. I understand it is not the big guy agajnst the little guy, but the buisness philosiphy that has been in place seems to work pretty well. Very happy customers, very happy employees, making enough money to grow and open more stores and make more people happy and make more money doing it. I did not say capitalism is evil, This is capatalism as it's best. I have always tried to make the system work for me. That's why I shop at MB I am a capalist. No I'm not rich either, but I have more than I ever dreamed i'd have. And I have have everything I need. I also help others that deserve it whenever I have a chance to do so. The whole thing is very interesting to me and I should have added that I hope to god my prediction is wrong. It just appears that the guy with the power does not give two ****s about about the mom working in the bakery trying to get her kids through school as much as he does his own bottom line. That my friend whether you like it or not is greed. I hope to god I'm wrong.

[RailroadJoe]

Congradulations on the best response yet. My way of life also. And the companies I worked for appreciated my contribution and I ended up high in managment by treating the people who worked for me as equals, not just employees.

[SIKSUKR]

This is such a bizarre situation that I can't ever recall seeing. It's like a strike but its almost the opposite and the customers(me included) have sort of sided with this. Myself really because I know the shelves are empty so why go in there. I have a brand new store very near my house(Bedford) that I go by 4 times a day and never go in because there are only 5-10 cars at best near the entrance. It would be nice to see the employees get their ATD back but I havn't a clue how this thing is going to end up.

[jrc]

I'm sad, as this is will end badly for the company and its employees. Another New England institution is going to die and this time by suicide.

[nhcatrider]

It's interesting to say the least. You have a board of directors and a pair of ceo's that are clueless as to what is going on and blaming the lower level employees. The employees are blaming it on the customers boycotting the stores. The customers are blaming it on upper management. The sad part of it is if it takes 3 weeks to hammer out the deal between the two cousins there will not be a business left. Then there will be 25000 employees looking for work, not to mention the thousands of vendors that are out as well, plus the ripple effect through the economy of the region. That will drive more people out to other states to seek jobs. How long before certain people are going around with a huge target on themselves?

[RailroadJoe]

If Arther T gets back as CEO , you can almost bet that every employee will be offered their job back plus bonuses and other fringe benefits that he will make.

[Rusty]

When I saw all the people protesting today at the job fair, it totally disgusted me.

Enough is enough!!! I was all for the workers in the beginning but now it has gone too far.

To destroy a company the way these people are doing it is insane. You can say the new CEO is the bad guy but I think different now.

However if that's what they all want to do then they had better be prepared to suffer the consequences.

OK, now let me have it!

[Chaselady]

I sympathize with everyone but what does this thread have to do with the Lakes Region? It seems like everyone has gotten involved with trying to decipher the broken business model, but does it have any meaning for the Winni Forum?

[Rusty]

I sympathize with everyone but what does this thread have to do with the Lakes Region? It seems like everyone has gotten involved with trying to decipher the broken business model, but does it have any meaning for the Winni Forum?

You don't find this fascinating and of interest to thousands of Lakes Region people who shop at MB?

I'm very interested in what this forum has to say about it.

I shopped there and want to continue to shop there.

[HellRaZoR004]

This certainly has a lot to do with the lakes region. Didn't the Tilton Shaw's just close b/c of competition like MB right down the street?

[Chaselady]

You don't find this fascinating and of interest to thousands of Lakes Region people who shop at MB?

I'm very interested in what this forum has to say about it.

I shopped there and want to continue to shop there.

I would like to shop there also. But this thread has gone on, and on, and ON. And there seems to be a never ending supply of opinions, and speculation about a business that IMO will survive, or crash and burn despite what the Forum members think.

[ITD]

When I saw all the people protesting today at the job fair, it totally disgusted me.

Enough is enough!!! I was all for the workers in the beginning but now it has gone too far.

To destroy a company the way these people are doing it is insane. You can say the new CEO is the bad guy but I think different now.

However if that's what they all want to do then they had better be prepared to suffer the consequences.

OK, now let me have it!

I don't see it that way Rusty, from what I read, Arthur S. gained control and the first thing he did was make a $300 million distribution to the share holders. A move like this can be devastating to a company, especially one in such a competitive market. From what I understand Arthur T has been growing the company by leaps and bounds during his tenure, which is very capital intensive. The moves by Arthur S. are destabilizing and will, in my opinion, result in the demise of MB, as prices will have to increase to pay for things and cuts will have to be made, most likely affecting the employees. I think the employees are brave by putting it on the line, I think the board and Arthur S. never in their wildest dreams thought anything like this would happen. I think they thought of the employees as chattel, more akin to livestock than humans who can think for themselves. I think this was a huge miscalculation by the BOD and Arthur S. To me the prudent thing for them to do is sell out. They will get their money, and hopefully Arthur T. will be able to recover and make it work. I think the devastation of the company that is happening now, the fault for that lies squarely on Arthur S. shoulders, he should have been smarter, but hatred clouds judgment...

I personally will not step foot in a MB again, unless the employees get Arthur T. back, while I was not a regular customer, I was about to become one as they are building an MB near me...... this bums me out.

There are many employees at MB, some are young, some more seasoned. As with any large group of people, some will make mistakes, some are probably not too bright and will offend, and most are genuine and have asked for the customer's help. If avoiding MB will help, I'm more than willing to pitch in .......

[Charlie T]

I would like to shop there also. But this thread has gone on, and on, and ON. And there seems to be a never ending supply of opinions, and speculation about a business that IMO will survive, or crash and burn despite what the Forum members think.

Chaselady I don't see what the problem with this thread is. There are diverse points of view that being expressed by many including yourself. No one is being anything but civil. A thread wouldn't be this long unless it related to us and our forum. If this needed to be shut down I'm sure the webmaster would do so. If you don't want to read it any longer no one is forcing you to.

[Bigstan]

Chaselady I don't see what the problem with this thread is. There are diverse points of view that being expressed by many including yourself. No one is being anything but civil. A thread wouldn't be this long unless it related to us and our forum. If this needed to be shut down I'm sure the webmaster would do so. If you don't want to read it any longer no one is forcing you to.

What Charlie said....

My loyalty has changed. My local MB had 3 girls in chairs by entrance #1, and 5 men by entrance #2. I drove past #1 as I normally park by #2, the fact there were 5 cars in the lot should have tipped me off. I kept driving slowly, trying to see if they were open or not. When I got to the end the guys by #2 stood up and looked at me, then waved. Not quite blocking the entrance, but right there on top of it......the store was dark at 8:30 on Saturday AM so I kept going.

There are side lots, they may have been open they may not have been. But employees boycotting @ the entrance is an intimidation thing....you dont intimidate me but I can see how you would others. I am close to saying fire them all, if the stores can open and you are stopping them then you should be blocked from the premesis and replaced.

Enough is enough.....

[RailroadJoe]

I still shop at MB. I stopped there yesterday and talked to the people outside. I told them I have to get something they sell and no others do. I think it cost me a full $2.50 They are still very courteous and I think they are the winners no matter what happens. Good old Americans fighting for what they know is right. Too Bad Rusty.

[Happy Gourmand]

This is not at all about greed on the part on the employees. They are protesting to maintain their status quo. Artie S and company want to shift pay and benefits that are now available to employees to his own pocket. If Artie S is successful, Market Basket will be just another Super Market with high prices and minimum wage employees. (think Walmart). Market Basket is very unique in that they pay above average wages, maintain low prices and provide a great shopping experience. If you like Market Basket and want to continue to benefit from the low prices and the rest of the benefits, then you should think about supporting these loyal employees. They are putting their necks on the line for you as much as for anything or anybody else.

[dave603]

Your right Phantom, but it is getting out of hand. there are three MBs in Nashua, one Hanaford and two Shaws.
With the MBs closed you can barley get into the Hanaford's store it's so crowded. I have not seen it like this since holiday shopping just before Thankgiving.

I stopped and ate lunch in the MB parking lot, and only saw one person go in and come out with anything at all, looked like one item. This has got to be killing the business.
Artie $, needs to get rid of his hate, and back out.

[MAXUM]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned here, but would be rather interesting.

So S now has control over the MB empire, clearly his philosophy is different and so long as he is calling the shots the "niche" or "advantage" MB has will eventually disappear and the future of the whole chain could be jeopardized. Plus no matter what the employees do, the one thing he cannot control is the customers.

T is certainly sitting on some serious personal wealth, and with his proven success, the way this situation has played out in the public arena, I would find it hard to believe that he's not contemplating the idea of pooling some investors together and starting up his own chain. With his track record, I'd certainly be an investor. I like his style, his discipline, his ideas of how to successfully run a business, keep it profitable AND take care of his employees. Heck the way things are looking, there will be ample space available when MB starts having to close stores. He also has a huge workforce that is ready and willing to work for him. Sure it stinks to start over, but at least there would no longer be any more family fighting, he could cash out what interest he has in MB sever the ties and go for it.

[patman]

Artie $, needs to get rid of his hate, and back out.

That makes sense from where you and I are sitting, but...this is a family feud, and ASD already went waaaaay out of his way to get rid of ATD. At the end of the day, it may simply boil down to not letting ATD win...and any chaos or collateral damage created as a result is completely irrelevant. It's not like ASD needs the money.

At this point I think it hinges on how far the other folks with controlling interests in MB are willing to follow ASD. We know at least one changed their position in the past (which is how ATD was ousted in the first place) and if they or others get tired of the effects, they could change alliances.

I just want MB back the way it was. A good store with good value and happy employees.

[dave603]

What would happen if the the sisters or even one of them decide to get out and sell their shares to Artie T? wonder if that would be enough to get controlling shares and then just neuter Artie S?

[Happy Gourmand]

What would happen if the the sisters or even one of them decide to get out and sell their shares to Artie T? wonder if that would be enough to get controlling shares and then just neuter Artie S?
From what I read, Artie T holds 49.5% interest in the company now. He doesn't need much more to put him back in the driver's seat.

[Farfrumbehavin]

It would only make sense to me that every one in the MB family can look up and see two very large birds circling overhead. Shaw's own's 155 stores with over 30,000 employees, Hannaford is owned by an American subsidiary of of the Belguim Delhaize Group, who owns 1,100 stores along the eastern seaboard and in 2013 sold 104 Sweetbay Supermarket locations in Fla. My guess is that they have some pretty deep pockets! One would think that the biggest loss so far in this story is the value of the company. It could be that ASD eventually entertains an offer from one of the big supermarket giants rather than to turn it over to his cousin! I'm sure the circling birds must have a number in thier head ! You don't even have to beat the competition, just let it beat itself. Many times the key to success is good timing. Just Sayin!

[dave603]

I don't think any of the big companies would touch this with a ten foot pole. Without Artie T running it, it's like being elected the President of Iraq, really not worth the trouble your buying into.

[MAXUM]

It would only make sense to me that every one in the MB family can look up and see two very large birds circling overhead. Shaw's own's 155 stores with over 30,000 employees, Hannaford is owned by an American subsidiary of of the Belguim Delhaize Group, who owns 1,100 stores along the eastern seaboard and in 2013 sold 104 Sweetbay Supermarket locations in Fla. My guess is that they have some pretty deep pockets! One would think that the biggest loss so far in this story is the value of the company. It could be that ASD eventually entertains an offer from one of the big supermarket giants rather than to turn it over to his cousin! I'm sure the circling birds must have a number in thier head ! Just Sayin!


For local competition, why touch MB? At this point why buy out the "competition" when it's internal strife is booming your business and it's not costing you a dime to benefit from it. If anything you can bet they are all cheering for this to never end anytime soon.

[fatlazyless]

.....ok.....here's what's really important to me ...... was back to the Meredith Hannaford's yesterday and danged if they still was totally out of the 1.59 can of sliced peaches!!! omg !!!!....... and in my mind, I truly believe that Market Basket is responsible here .....and no I will not buy the 2.29 Delmonte sliced peaches ...... so's I made a very very tough decision and went with the 1.59 can of pear halves instead!

Here is my question: Why do canned pears come in halves but never in slices similar to sliced peaches........anybody?

...by the way....talking about local supermarkets....has anyone else noticed that Hannaford's seems to be better than the Plymouth Wal-Mart when it comes to price-quality-selection-convenience-check out...plus Hannaford's has the Laconia Daily Sun.

...the employee position of "meat cutter" does not exist at Wal-Marts in the United States as of the year 2000 due to a Wal-Mart labor dispute in Johnson City, Texas. They fired all the meat cutters as opposed to going union meat cutter, and designed a "packaged-frozen-shipped from East Jalopy, Iowa" packaged meats dept, and their hamburger is really pretty good, too, plus it comes in these unique tubular plastic packs like a big baloni except it is hamburger.

...I believe the State of Vermont has 3 Wal-Mart stores, while the State of New Hampshire has 32 Wal-Mart stores plus one Wal-Mart distribution-transport hub.

[mhtranger]

What people are not seeing is the real-estate deal that is worth way more than the grocery store chain. Do you think Art S is worried? I don't.
On a side note ANYBODY seen Art T?? You think he would show his face to all of his supporters at the stores or the two big rallies.
I have a friend who is a driver for them and 3 children and 2 brothers who also work for MB. I know he and his brothers stand to lose a lot as drivers but must believe in what they are doing.
I am a supporter of this and my friends willingness to fight what they believe in and will not shop there till he returns.

Remember without truck drivers and warehouse workers this county would be at a standstill!!!
Just my .02

[Rusty]

Here is my question: Why do canned pears come in halves but never in slices similar to sliced peaches........anybody?



They do come in slices as the below image illustrates:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Del-Monte-Sliced-Bartlett-In-Heavy-Syrup-w-Pull-Top-Lid-Pears-8.5-Oz/10295160

[SIKSUKR]

They do come in slices as the below image illustrates:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Del-Monte-Sliced-Bartlett-In-Heavy-Syrup-w-Pull-Top-Lid-Pears-8.5-Oz/10295160

Thanks goodness we solved that huge problem.:eek:

[dave603]

Interesting, I was wondering where they all came from all of a sudden. Just went to the Nashua store, there were three workers just going in, they said two are from NY stores and one was from Maine.
Both places with low MB footprints.

Makes sense, no sense hiring a bunch of locals only to let them go later.

[Farfrumbehavin]

For local competition, why touch MB? At this point why buy out the "competition" when it's internal strife is booming your business and it's not costing you a dime to benefit from it. If anything you can bet they are all cheering for this to never end anytime soon.
Why not buy it when value of the company is at an all time low, Operate as a MB and control the whole market. Eliminate the competition completely. You might think that no body would touch this with a ten foot pole, but where are you going shop when this is over? If ASD maintains control cuts employees beneifits and raises prices than what seperates MB from everyone else. At that point I'd go to the store that is the most convenient. I'm sure the competition is loving the effect it is having on thier business and I bet they would love to see it stay that way. But we know that's not going to happen. We can get by with a lot of things in life but canned peaches are a must! We will only be left with a few choices, no matter who owns the stores. ATD and ASD have become house hold names around here but like after any war, eventually every body will go back about their daily lives and grocery shopping is part of that. I guess I was thinking this is economics 101, and when the competitor goes into a wobble you move in for the kill. I doubt that these international companies are interested in local concerns. Just throwing something else out there!

[nhcatrider]

T and his family own more of the real estate than S and his cronies. That being said, it was the root cause of all of this, S and his side feel that they are being cheated on that end. If the company does fold, they will both own empty stores. T has the experience, knowledge, skill and available work force to start over again. S has no idea how to run a grocery store, which is pretty obvious at this point.

[dave603]

That's news to most of us I think.
How does T come to own most of the real estate?
I always thought most of the real estate was company owned? Not by T personally or his side of the family.
If true, then that does sort of put a different light on things, no wonder S would be mad.

[Rusty]

SHAREHOLDERS ALIGNED WITH ARTHUR T. DEMOULAS
Ownership stake: 49.5 percent
The children of Telemachus Demoulas:
Arthur T. Demoulas
Frances D. Kettenbach
Glorianne D. Farnham
Caren D. Pasquale

SHAREHOLDERS ALIGNED WITH ARTHUR S. DEMOULAS
Ownership stake: 50.5 percent
The children of George Demoulas
Arthur S. Demoulas
Diana D. Merriam
Fotene J. Demoulas

[missedbass]

What people are not seeing is the real-estate deal that is worth way more than the grocery store chain. Do you think Art S is worried? I don't.
On a side note ANYBODY seen Art T?? You think he would show his face to all of his supporters at the stores or the two big rallies.
I have a friend who is a driver for them and 3 children and 2 brothers who also work for MB. I know he and his brothers stand to lose a lot as drivers but must believe in what they are doing.
I am a supporter of this and my friends willingness to fight what they believe in and will not shop there till he returns.

Remember without truck drivers and warehouse workers this county would be at a standstill!!!
Just my .02

Very true but nothing happens without consumers

[secondcurve]

When I saw all the people protesting today at the job fair, it totally disgusted me.

Enough is enough!!! I was all for the workers in the beginning but now it has gone too far.

To destroy a company the way these people are doing it is insane. You can say the new CEO is the bad guy but I think different now.

However if that's what they all want to do then they had better be prepared to suffer the consequences.

OK, now let me have it!


Rusty you confuse me. Somewhere in one of your past posts I recall you stating you were about as liberal as they come. I on the other hand am fairly conservative. You are against Market Basket labor as you note above. I on the other hand cannot be more supportive. How can a lefty not love Artie T, his position and what he means to these employees? Doesn't the left want the 1 percent to share their bounty, reinvest in their businesses and have good relations with labor? Isn't, that what is happening here? In spades? Why are you throwing in the towel on Market Basket labor and effectively pulling for the guy who is going to extract significant capital from the company via a massive dividend, likely raise prices on consumers and reduce benefits to labor? Isn't this what the left hates? I think Artie T and Market Basket represent capitalism at its best. Treat your employees fairly so they give their best, deliver a competitively priced product to the market and reinvest heavily back into the business. The result of this approach is you dominate the market as Artie T, his employees and Market Basket have shown. I am ok if it gets messy for a while and I have to shop somewhere else. You should be, too.

[dave603]

Don't turn this into a liberal vs conservative thing.
This is about a store most people in the area enjoy the way it was.

[Rusty]

Rusty you confuse me. Somewhere in one of your past posts I recall you stating you were about as liberal as they come. I on the other hand am fairly conservative. You are against Market Basket labor as you note above. I on the other hand cannot be more supportive. How can a lefty not love Artie T, his position and what he means to these employees? Doesn't the left want the 1 percent to share their bounty, reinvest in their businesses and have good relations with labor? Isn't, that what is happening here? In spades? Why are you throwing in the towel on Market Basket labor and effectively pulling for the guy who is going to extract significant capital from the company via a massive dividend, likely raise prices on consumers and reduce benefits to labor? Isn't this what the left hates? I think Artie T and Market Basket represent capitalism at its best. Treat your employees fairly so they give their best, deliver a competitively priced product to the market and reinvest heavily back into the business. The result of this approach is you dominate the market as Artie T, his employees and Market Basket have shown. I am ok if it gets messy for a while and I have to shop somewhere else. You should be, too.

Just to be clear here, I am not against MB labor. I am against them yelling at people who want to shop there and this has got to stop!

They are acting like a bunch of children who can't get their way. They need to grow-up and get back to work and let the MB family resolve this one way or another.

Please leave politics out of this.

[secondcurve]

Just to be clear here, I am not against MB labor. I am against them yelling at people who want to shop there and this has got to stop!

They are acting like a bunch of children who can't get their way. They need to grow-up and get back to work and let the MB family resolve this one way or another.

Please leave politics out of this.

Interesting. It is the employees fault and they need to get back to work so the owners can solve the problem? And they yelled at some folks? Unfortunately, fighting for what you believe in is sometimes messy.

[ITD]

I suppose if you really think about it the "scabs" are the customers who cross that line......:rolleye1:

[CAVU]

Where in this area is a market basket?? I once saw one in MA many years ago. I've never been to one personally, ever... It must down on the south side of the lake :cool: I usually go to EM Heaths or Harvest. I try to stay away from big business.

[Bigstan]

Interesting. It is the employees fault and they need to get back to work so the owners can solve the problem? And they yelled at some folks? Unfortunately, fighting for what you believe in is sometimes messy.

You nailed it (in a way), they now ARE the problem. So if they need to get back to work, the solution is to shut down the business based upon the bad things they say/think 'will' happen? Cant buy into that, sorry.

Enough emails and memos have been leaked - if there was a smoking gun that showed impending changes to employee pay / benefits / profit sharing / etc. that would have shown up by now. So I still dont buy into the premise here.....

'Fighting for what you believe in' is not acceptable if it stifles free enterprise or blocks me (or makes me feel like I need to provide a reason) from entering an establishment in order to make a purchase. Yelling at me if I do enter is just pathetic.

This is called impeding free enterprise. The company has been lenient and allowed protests to happen at their own front doors up until now. That needs to stop...and the only reason it would be allowed to continue would be they have written off the business and are waiting for the highest offer to shake itself out.

Who wins then?

[RailroadJoe]

I was shoppng there last week for an item that I can only get there. The people out front were as nice as usual and I had a chat with them.. Today I have to go and load up on my candy (Skybars) that they carry. I will talk to the employees and even ask if I can get them something like chips or soda. I support them and only shop for one or two items. The rest I go and pay higher prices at Hannaford.

[secondcurve]

I was shoppng there last week for an item that I can only get there. The people out front were as nice as usual and I had a chat with them.. Today I have to go and load up on my candy (Skybars) that they carry. I will talk to the employees and even ask if I can get them something like chips or soda. I support them and only shop for one or two items. The rest I go and pay higher prices at Hannaford.

Joe

I also went into a market basket recently and no one as much as looked at me crossed eyed. I don't think this behavior is widespread. The employees are too smart.

[secondcurve]

You nailed it (in a way), they now ARE the problem. So if they need to get back to work, the solution is to shut down the business based upon the bad things they say/think 'will' happen? Cant buy into that, sorry.

Enough emails and memos have been leaked - if there was a smoking gun that showed impending changes to employee pay / benefits / profit sharing / etc. that would have shown up by now. So I still dont buy into the premise here.....

'Fighting for what you believe in' is not acceptable if it stifles free enterprise or blocks me (or makes me feel like I need to provide a reason) from entering an establishment in order to make a purchase. Yelling at me if I do enter is just pathetic.

This is called impeding free enterprise. The company has been lenient and allowed protests to happen at their own front doors up until now. That needs to stop...and the only reason it would be allowed to continue would be they have written off the business and are waiting for the highest offer to shake itself out.

Who wins then?

Stan: when you are taking massive dividends they must be paid for in some manner such as increased prices, reduced benefits and/or limited capital expenditures. This is a penny business and choices must be made. I agree that customers shouldn't be harassed and as I posted above I don't think this is happening in a meaningful way. I also don't think the employees are trying to close the business rather they are trying to drive it in a direction that is mutually beneficial for capital, labor and customers. Further, when a massive non unionized workforce pulls together with this much moxie they know exactly what the facts are. One of the owners has a black hat and one has a white hat. It is cut and dry.

[nhcatrider]

That's news to most of us I think.
How does T come to own most of the real estate?
I always thought most of the real estate was company owned? Not by T personally or his side of the family.
If true, then that does sort of put a different light on things, no wonder S would be mad.

If you look at tax records, some of the stores are owned by RMD, which is owned by Mike Kettenback Sr., who is T's brother in law. More are owned by a real estate company owned by T's wife. The grocery store does not own any of the buildings, they instead have long term leases on them.

[chipj29]

Stan: when you are taking massive dividends they must be paid for in some manner such as increased prices, reduced benefits and/or limited capital expenditures. This is a penny business and choices must be made. I agree that customers shouldn't be harassed and as I posted above I don't think this is happening in a meaningful way. I also don't think the employees are trying to close the business rather they are trying to drive it in a direction that is mutually beneficial for capital, labor and customers. Further, when a massive non unionized workforce pulls together with this much moxie they know exactly what the facts are. One of the owners has a black hat and one has a white hat. It is cut and dry.

I don't think so either. But I don't think the employees realize all the potential consequences for their actions.

[TiltonBB]

If you look at tax records, some of the stores are owned by RMD, which is owned by Mike Kettenback Sr., who is T's brother in law. More are owned by a real estate company owned by T's wife. The grocery store does not own any of the buildings, they instead have long term leases on them.

There are many reasons why seperate entities would own the real estate.

The first may be taxes. The depreciation on the real estate can be used to offset the taxable income for the company. If the company is very profitable higher rents can be charged, the net income will decline, and the increase in property income can be offset by the depreciation, thus reducing your income tax liability.

Liability may be another reason. If someone sues it is better to have isolated your assets than put them all under one name.

Only the family knows why they structured it the way they did. And really, with a privately held company it is really none of our business!

[Bigstan]

Stan: when you are taking massive dividends they must be paid for in some manner such as increased prices, reduced benefits and/or limited capital expenditures. This is a penny business and choices must be made. I agree that customers shouldn't be harassed and as I posted above I don't think this is happening in a meaningful way. I also don't think the employees are trying to close the business rather they are trying to drive it in a direction that is mutually beneficial for capital, labor and customers. Further, when a massive non unionized workforce pulls together with this much moxie they know exactly what the facts are. One of the owners has a black hat and one has a white hat. It is cut and dry.

You are making my point for me.

Are you saying the board came in one day and said lets take a $300m distribution, we can pay for it by raising prices?

Or did they say we have a huge amount of cash on the balance sheet, lets pocket some and we'll still have plenty left? You don't know the distribution schedule, this could have been planned for some time.

You don't know, and I don't know - but to say the only way to pay for a distribution is to raise prices or reduce spending/benefits is overly simplistic and not true. Companies accrue cash - at some point you do something with it.

Again - your theory is based on an assumption that cannot be proven. You assume prices will have to be raised, I see no reason why that is the only reasonable scenario.

[Winnisquamguy]

. The grocery store does not own any of the buildings, they instead have long term leases on them. That's not true they do own some of there buildings!

[dave603]

You are making my point for me.

Are you saying the board came in one day and said lets take a $300m distribution, we can pay for it by raising prices?

Or did they say we have a huge amount of cash on the balance sheet, lets pocket some and we'll still have plenty left? You don't know the distribution schedule, this could have been planned for some time.

You don't know, and I don't know - but to say the only way to pay for a distribution is to raise prices or reduce spending/benefits is overly simplistic and not true. Companies accrue cash - at some point you do something with it.

Again - your theory is based on an assumption that cannot be proven. You assume prices will have to be raised, I see no reason why that is the only reasonable scenario.

The problem with that is, that money was slated to open new stores, some that were being built and some already built. They didn't open them. check into the new building in Waltham Ma. it's built and not opened, and has been for some time, so it has nothing to do with the current situation, they took the money instead of opening the stores.

[Bigstan]

The problem with that is, that money was slated to open new stores, some that were being built and some already built. They didn't open them. check into the new building in Waltham Ma. it's built and not opened, and has been for some time, so it has nothing to do with the current situation, they took the money instead of opening the stores.

I can look out my window and see that building - it is far from ready. There are a thousand reasons that (and other) construction in the area have been slowed down or stopped. It took them two years to open a Panera down the road for similar reasons.

As for the developer of that site - they are proceeding regardless ( http://1265main.wordpress.com/ ).

In their current state they will not be moving in anywhere anytime soon, agreed. There are certainly contractual obligations involved and I am sure they will have to adhere to them. But if the status quo doesn't change you should not be worrying about new stores, you should be worrying about there being any stores.

[dpg]

I can look out my window and see that building - it is far from ready. There are a thousand reasons that (and other) construction in the area have been slowed down or stopped. It took them two years to open a Panera down the road for similar reasons.

As for the developer of that site - they are proceeding regardless ( http://1265main.wordpress.com/ ).

In their current state they will not be moving in anywhere anytime soon, agreed. There are certainly contractual obligations involved and I am sure they will have to adhere to them. But if the status quo doesn't change you should not be worrying about new stores, you should be worrying about there being any stores.

Waltham is no where near ready inside, I live 8 or 9 miles down the street. It's not sitting ready to open (yet.) Maybe I'm wrong but I've always heard late fall 2014. IF that's true it seems to be on track.

[dave603]

http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/07/10/market-basket-developments-openings-delayed/M6spvRmXGMFRbiVgFfzRJJ/story.html

[SIKSUKR]

That pretty much says it all. What the heck is the BOD's mindset right now? What a mess.

[fatlazyless]

...just drove past the proposed MB site in Plymouth and saw Artie T and Artie S together, shaking hands and both holding up a large gold shovel together, posing for the camera, as they broke ground at the new Plymouth NH Market Basket ...... scheduled to open on Halloween-2015 ..... trick or treat:D:laugh:!

[AB_Monterey]

My understanding was that the company is debt free.

The AS side wants to take on debt to pay themselves hefty bonuses.

This is NOT a case of cash on hand that needs to be distributed.

That seems like a poor business decision to me. That debt will need to be repaid and that money will come from somewhere.

[rsmlp]

what I have not read here is obvious; let MB fail if they make bad decisions. let free markets work. if MB replaces their CEO with an unpopular replacement and store quality suffers, consumers will shop elsewhere and MB will suffer. let the system WORK!

[gus62]

ASD may be a little preoccupied to deal with all this business stuff.
I have heard from a very reliable source that he was at the Tuftonboro town offices as recently as yesterday applying for a marriage license.

[ITD]

ASD may be a little preoccupied to deal with all this business stuff.
I have heard from a very reliable source that he was at the Tuftonboro town offices as recently as yesterday applying for a marriage license.

That explains a lot, he must have needed his share of the $300 million payout for the dowry.......

[tis]

I also heard he is getting married in August.

[HellRaZoR004]

Starting Sunday all part-timers won't be scheduled to work.....this news hits the lakes region (and elsewhere) pretty hard.

[TheProfessor]

"A supermarket company has emerged as a serious bidder for the Market Basket chain, complicating Arthur T. Demoulas’s effort to buy out rival family members and take complete control of the grocery empire, according to people briefed on the negotiations.

The Belgium-based parent of Hannaford Bros. Co. is offering to buy part or all of Market Basket, which competes with it in markets throughout New England, said these people, who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. A spokesman for Hannaford could not be reached for comment Thursday."

LINK (http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/08/06/supermarket-company-emerges-market-basket-bidder/PfYgahsWrp6nv4hYNgg0OJ/story.html)

[SIKSUKR]

I got to chime in here. I watched the news at noon today and it was reporting the inevitable layoffs. A couple of employees interviewed were "shocked" that people would be layed off. What? 90% loss in sales and MB should still have the same amount of help? One said "I can't believe they would do this to us". Huh? I understand the cause but seriously, you've done it to yourselves, period. The message has been sent. I think its time to move along until actual cuts that have been theorized really happen.

[Happy Gourmand]

This is where it starts to get ugly, where some will start to break ranks and hard feelings replace the euphoria and camaraderie that has so far prevailed. And no matter what happens from here, it will get worse before it gets better.
Now is the time that they will need to come together in solidarity, and now and going forward is when they will need the most support.
I wish them well. They are standing for something they truly believe in.

[Patiently Watching]

Such a mess...
I am sure that Delhaize and probably others (Aldi, etc.) may have an interest in acquiring it, but the family situation is pretty messy & complicated.
Just because 'S' has control, does not mean that he can force a sale of the portion owned by the 'T' faction.
Also, there is the complicated web of ownership of the real estate and improvements, etc.
The first major part of the drama went on for years and cost many millions in MA courts.
Wonder if the Market Basket employee/picketers will crash the wedding this summer?

[ITD]

I think this will go on for another couple of weeks. It really doesn't matter what the CEOs do if the customers stay away. MB is a $3 billion per year enterprise that has had no revenue for weeks now. Sounds like they have distributed most of the their cash to the stock holders. They need to fix this quickly or shutdown, I don't see any other options for them. If they wait too long they may not be able to start it back up. It certainly is interesting.

[secondcurve]

Such a mess...
I am sure that Delhaize and probably others (Aldi, etc.) may have an interest in acquiring it, but the family situation is pretty messy & complicated.
Just because 'S' has control, does not mean that he can force a sale of the portion owned by the 'T' faction.
Also, there is the complicated web of ownership of the real estate and improvements, etc.
The first major part of the drama went on for years and cost many millions in MA courts.
Wonder if the Market Basket employee/picketers will crash the wedding this summer?

If you have control of a company's stock you can execute a sale of ALL of a company's stock. A minority shareholder can sue on the basis of the sale price being inadequate, etc. but he/she can't stop a sale.

[tabascocat98]

To Seaplane Pilot


http://benswann.com/corporate-welfare-is-almost-double-social-welfare/


Corporate welfare is double personal welfare programs. So corporate greed is our problem. Let them pay their fair share.

[TheProfessor]

All interested in how companies become great ones should read the book:

GOOD TO GREAT
By Jim Collins.


Market Basket is a tragedy.

The formula used to make this grocery chain so successful is gone.

These grocery stores were a tightly woven business. It's all unraveled now.
It will never be the same.

Hannafords and Shaws will be quite happy with the demise of this chain.

[MAXUM]

Corporate welfare is double personal welfare programs. So corporate greed is our problem. Let them pay their fair share.

I love that statement, let them pay their "fair share". Beautiful! Then don't you dare complain when that "fair share" is passed onto consumers in higher prices because it will.

Ya know people accused Hostess of "corporate greed" when they refused to make a deal with the unions because the unions were simply asking for more than the company could possibly hand out in benefits and wages and still maintain a viable company. In the end, union greed and employee greed put them out of business. It's that a wonderful story? Yes we need more of that please.

Finally "corporate welfare" as you call it is typically tax incentives, so a company pays less taxes on what it makes or gets a low interest loan to do something productive with it which I might add usually includes hiring people. I know a terrible idea isn't it! Should I also remind you that the US has the HIGHEST corporate income tax on the planet?!? Personal welfare, yeah great idea throw money at a problem that will never be solved, in fact it makes it worse.

Oh and you may want to look at more recent stats because that article that the link pointed to was a bit outdated sighting figures from 2006. Welfare spending is way up and isn't it ironic so are the number of people on the dole.

[tummyman]

The time is long overdue for Artie T. to step up to the microphones and cameras to rally his employees. He needs to come out of the darkness and shed light on this entire situation as it stands. He owes it to all the employees who have given so much support, as well as the loyal customers. Please Artie, let us hear from you directly, not through a spokesperson !!!

[Rusty]

Starting Sunday all part-timers won't be scheduled to work.....this news hits the lakes region (and elsewhere) pretty hard.

"Nearly 400 workers at the Market Basket in Nashua were given the discouraging news, and many broke down in tears."

"Employees said they desperately need those hours."

"I started to cry," Hujsak said. "It's income. We have families. It shouldn't have come to this."


DUH!!!!

http://www.wmur.com/money/other-supermarket-makes-bid-to-buy-market-basket-report-says/27350086#!byl1BJ

[jetskier]

I also heard he is getting married in August.

I heard that Arthur S is getting married this weekend up here at the lake.

Jetskier:cool:

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Enough is enough !

A pox on all of you - shareholders, directors, management, and yes, employees. You have all combined to destroy what was a great company. As much as I dislike Shaws' prices and Hannafords' selection, I am through with MB.

[Seaplane Pilot]

To Seaplane Pilot


http://benswann.com/corporate-welfare-is-almost-double-social-welfare/


Corporate welfare is double personal welfare programs. So corporate greed is our problem. Let them pay their fair share.

You need to find another mantra - nobody is buying this one. as Maxum said, corporations pay taxes. Social welfare recipients and illegal aliens pay little to no taxes.so who is paying for their entitlement programs?

[Farfrumbehavin]

"A supermarket company has emerged as a serious bidder for the Market Basket chain, complicating Arthur T. Demoulas’s effort to buy out rival family members and take complete control of the grocery empire, according to people briefed on the negotiations.

The Belgium-based parent of Hannaford Bros. Co. is offering to buy part or all of Market Basket, which competes with it in markets throughout New England, said these people, who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. A spokesman for Hannaford could not be reached for comment Thursday."

LINK (http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/08/06/supermarket-company-emerges-market-basket-bidder/PfYgahsWrp6nv4hYNgg0OJ/story.html)
WoW, You mean the Delhaize co? why would a company who owns 1100 stores on the eastern seaboard be interested in a **** little chain like this that is having so much trouble. It would seem that they would want to sit back and just enjoy the extra business while they have it, and leave this for someone else. Or, they have no intention to buy in, they just want to cause more confusion and give the BOD more **** to haggle over. I read that there is actually as many as ten offers on the table right now. So the BOD is fighting over who will run the company after all. Looks like the honeymoon might be starting and ending at the same time! If you didn't see this one coming you were too wrapped up in all the drama. They need to cut a deal soon before the value goes any lower. The buzzards aren't circling anymore, now they are fighting over it!

[TheProfessor]

WoW, You mean the Delhaize co? why would a company who owns 1100 stores on the eastern seaboard be interested in a **** little chain like this that is having so much trouble. It would seem that they would want to sit back and just enjoy the extra business while they have it, and leave this for someone else. Or, they have no intention to buy in, they just want to cause more confusion and give the BOD more **** to haggle over. I read that there is actually as many as ten offers on the table right now. So the BOD is fighting over who will run the company after all. Looks like the honeymoon might be starting and ending at the same time! If you didn't see this one coming you were too wrapped up in all the drama. They need to cut a deal soon before the value goes any lower. The buzzards aren't circling anymore, now they are fighting over it!

Thank you for bringing back the original poster's topic of Market Basket.
Tired of reading from the same folks about corporate welfare, people welfare, immigrants, food stamps, unions, and the rest of the tangent opinions.

Market Basket still has a valued brand name. Although some folks here may not think so. But others not following the news may think that it does.
Then there is the real estate. Yes, the real estate may be in other entities but probably will go with any sale.
This chain can be profitable either with new management, sale of the name, sale of the properties and all sorts of financial maneuvers.
Edward Lambert purchased Kmart and then later Sears. Whether you think Kmart or Sears is worth anything or not - just note that Lamberts annual income in 2012 was reported to be $1 billion dollars.
Erivan Haub purchased the A&P chain and walked away with $ 200 million dollars by raiding the companies pension fund.
Cerretani's small grocery chain - another family owned stores - were sold and the new owners appear to be quite happy.

So there may be quite a value buried in this grocery store controversy.

[tabascocat98]

Interesting to see the denial of how corporate greed is ruining and not building our country. The great robbery of 2008 and how many on Wall Street are in jail?

You blame corporate troubles when they exist on workers demanding good wages and benefits. Simple math-good paying jobs fuel the economy; low paying jobs equal the need for more welfare. You can't have your cake and eat it too. I'd rather see a working parent earning a living wage than getting welfare and usually so would they.

I love how people here say let's stop talking about a subject AFTER they post a diatribe.

This thread was about Market Basket. I support MB boycott, bringing back Artie T and I commend the workers for the stand they are taking.


And I am damn glad I have a good union job that has allowed me the opportunity to buy a boat and property on the lake and enjoy this slice of heaven. In Solidarity!

[secondcurve]

WoW, You mean the Delhaize co? why would a company who owns 1100 stores on the eastern seaboard be interested in a **** little chain like this that is having so much trouble. It would seem that they would want to sit back and just enjoy the extra business while they have it, and leave this for someone else. Or, they have no intention to buy in, they just want to cause more confusion and give the BOD more **** to haggle over. I read that there is actually as many as ten offers on the table right now. So the BOD is fighting over who will run the company after all. Looks like the honeymoon might be starting and ending at the same time! If you didn't see this one coming you were too wrapped up in all the drama. They need to cut a deal soon before the value goes any lower. The buzzards aren't circling anymore, now they are fighting over it!

If there are in fact 10 bidders for MB, my guess is the value of the franchise has been barely dinged. No vultures in this scenario other than Arthur S.

[MAXUM]

You blame corporate troubles when they exist on workers demanding good wages and benefits. Simple math-good paying jobs fuel the economy; low paying jobs equal the need for more welfare. You can't have your cake and eat it too. I'd rather see a working parent earning a living wage than getting welfare and usually so would they.


And I am damn glad I have a good union job that has allowed me the opportunity to buy a boat and property on the lake and enjoy this slice of heaven. In Solidarity!

So let me get this straight... it's evil for a company to pay the least amount necessary to hire employees, yet it's not evil for employees to demand the most they can get for a wage? Huh, OK with that in mind, when you need to hire somebody to do work for you... two contractors quote you a price for the job. Both using the same materials but one is more expensive than the other, and both have the same reputation and do the same quality of work. So you'd hire the most expensive one right? LOL I'm sure you would!

Wages are paid at a market rate, no more no less. Benefits are a matter of how willing AND able a company is to pay out in order to attract the best employees possible.

I'm damn glad I have the same as you do, but it doesn't necessarily take a union job to get it. It takes hard work!

[mhtranger]

I'm damn glad I have the same as you do, but it doesn't necessarily take a union job to get it. It takes hard work!

Are you saying that if you are union you don't work hard to get what we have?

[ITD]

Are you saying that if you are union you don't work hard to get what we have?

No that isn't what he said, but this sidetrack should end here.......

[MAXUM]

No that isn't what he said, but this sidetrack should end here.......

Agreed! That whole rant has nothing to do with the MB debacle.

[HellRaZoR004]

I wonder if ASD's supposed wedding this weekend is going to get crashed? My guess is no considering the employees have been pretty civil so far.

[RailroadJoe]

In March 2006 he was listed at $1.6 Billion in top richest in the Boston area.. Must be quite a wedding. Wish I was invited.

[Just Sold]

This article is very good and hits some very good and valid points about this whole situation:
Market Basket: A business case study for decades

What your business can learn from Market Basket’s mistakes

http://www.nhbr.com/August-8-2014/Market-Basket-A-business-case-study-for-decades/?utm_source=MailingList&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsbrowser140808

[Newbiesaukee]

Interesting article...but anyone can be an expert after the fact. Is the suggestion being made that any decision should be approached with the PR aspects in mind?

I think the lesson is that actions have consequences and the important ones often turn out to be the unintended consequences.

[Farfrumbehavin]

If there are in fact 10 bidders for MB, my guess is the value of the franchise has been barely dinged. No vultures in this scenario other than Arthur S.

What I know about the whole situation is what I've read in a Boston Globe blog. My understanding is that the lost business has driven the value down and that is what has motivated possible buyers to want in. Because nobody is "available for comment" there is a lot of rumor and speculation around the whole story. The buzzard analogy was only because it has taken some time for interested buyers to belly up. The experts who are writing about this are not calling it a ding, more of a big dent. That might be a guess too, but it does make sense to me. Either way, what it most notable to me is how much has not been said by the BOD to the public, it fuels speculation. and rumor.

[ITD]

In March 2006 he was listed at $1.6 Billion in top richest in the Boston area.. Must be quite a wedding. Wish I was invited.

I have a feeling his net worth has taken a serious downturn due to his actions over the last few months......

[patman]

Board Proposes Deal To End Market Basket Battle And Return Artie T. To Company

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2014/08/08/proposed-deal-could-end-market-basket-battle-and-return-artie-t-to-company/

[HellRaZoR004]

Board Proposes Deal To End Market Basket Battle And Return Artie T. To Company

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2014/08/08/proposed-deal-could-end-market-basket-battle-and-return-artie-t-to-company/


Interesting to note - not as CEO. Just as management to stabilize the company. I doubt he'll agree.

[tabascocat98]

So let me get this straight... it's evil for a company to pay the least amount necessary to hire employees, yet it's not evil for employees to demand the most they can get for a wage? Huh, OK with that in mind, when you need to hire somebody to do work for you... two contractors quote you a price for the job. Both using the same materials but one is more expensive than the other, and both have the same reputation and do the same quality of work. So you'd hire the most expensive one right? LOL I'm sure you would!

Wages are paid at a market rate, no more no less. Benefits are a matter of how willing AND able a company is to pay out in order to attract the best employees possible.

I'm damn glad I have the same as you do, but it doesn't necessarily take a union job to get it. It takes hard work!


Sorry you have such arrogance in expressing your view. I support workers whether union or non-union----but am proud we fight to help all achieve a better life and yes by working hard but not as slave labor .

[ITD]

Board Proposes Deal To End Market Basket Battle And Return Artie T. To Company

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2014/08/08/proposed-deal-could-end-market-basket-battle-and-return-artie-t-to-company/

That's a blink, it will be an interesting week I think....

[MAXUM]

Sorry you have such arrogance in expressing your view. I support workers whether union or non-union----but am proud we fight to help all achieve a better life and yes by working hard but not as slave labor .

Slave labor? Now that's comical....maybe you need to go over to China and see how workers are treated there and for that matter how much they are paid.

Arrogant, no but apparently the question I posed to you didn't receive an answer but we all know what the answer is anyways. However according to your way of thinking - if you don't hire the more expensive contractor you'd be guilty of "corporate greed". Wagging my finger at you! How could you possibly deny the more expensive contractor a living wage?

Or you can look at it from my perspective, one is overbidding the job and why pay more to get the same work done? I'd rather pay the cheaper market rate. So according to you, I guess I do favor slave labor so shame on me. If you say so, but I won't loose any sleep at night saving a buck or two.

[secondcurve]

In March 2006 he was listed at $1.6 Billion in top richest in the Boston area.. Must be quite a wedding. Wish I was invited.

Doubtful it will be much of a shindig. Rumor has it that he can count his friends on one hand.

[Rusty]

I have a theory...probably a far out one, but who knows.

No business owner in their right mind would allow this to happen or go on as it has... So I think the Demoulas family planned this whole thing out together so that they could get someone to buy them out real quick and they can make Billions off the sale. They started the bidding process with a high number in hopes that someone would bid higher.

This would be a prime opportunity for Hanafords parent company to get rid of their biggest competition.

The employees fell for all of this and now they will suffer the consequences.

[RailroadJoe]

Rusty, are you smoking the weed or what?

[Rusty]

This below sign is posted at a Hannaford store. It also should have had a statement that said: You will be working for us soon anyway.


http://www.wmur.com/image/view/-/27392316/highRes/1/-/maxh/480/maxw/640/-/15j89nwz/-/mb-hannaford.jpg

[wifi]

I have a theory...probably a far out one, but who knows.

No business owner in their right mind would allow this to happen or go on as it has... So I think the Demoulas family planned this whole thing out together so that they could get someone to buy them out real quick and they can make Billions off the sale. They started the bidding process with a high number in hopes that someone would bid higher.

This would be a prime opportunity for Hanafords parent company to get rid of their biggest competition.

The employees fell for all of this and now they will suffer the consequences.

While I understand what you are saying, this planning would inply lots of forethought, which that side of the family hasn't displayed at this point. If they win out with lots of $$, its more likely luck/circumstances than any level of high mental activity

[jeffk]

I have a theory...probably a far out one, but who knows. ...

This animosity has been going on quite publicly for a long time. I doubt they are coming together to stage anything.

Might the ASD side of it be happy to sell and take the money and run? Absolutely, since that seems to be their main focus.

It seems a bit crazy to let things get to this point because a viable business is going to be worth more than one that is disintegrating. Hannaford's buying them out to rid themselves of a low price competitor is NOT going to offer top dollar.

Maybe the hatred of each other has gotten to the point where they just don't care if they take a loss. They just want OUT! They probably did not expect the employee backlash but now that it has happened, what are they going to do? Work on rebuilding the business? They didn't want to spend time and money doing that in the first place. Their hatred of ATD would probably prevent the ASD side from accepting a buyout (that would probably delay the payout for as long as possible) to ATD. So what's left? Sell it for what you can. Scorched earth.

[jetskier]

This animosity has been going on quite publicly for a long time. I doubt they are coming together to stage anything.

Might the ASD side of it be happy to sell and take the money and run? Absolutely, since that seems to be their main focus.

It seems a bit crazy to let things get to this point because a viable business is going to be worth more than one that is disintegrating. Hannaford's buying them out to rid themselves of a low price competitor is NOT going to offer top dollar.

Maybe the hatred of each other has gotten to the point where they just don't care if they take a loss. They just want OUT! They probably did not expect the employee backlash but now that it has happened, what are they going to do? Work on rebuilding the business? They didn't want to spend time and money doing that in the first place. Their hatred of ATD would probably prevent the ASD side from accepting a buyout (that would probably delay the payout for as long as possible) to ATD. So what's left? Sell it for what you can. Scorched earth.

The problem with all of this is that business logic does not apply. Clearly, no self respecting business person would allow an asset such as MB (especially with a large equity share) to decompose in this fashion. Most of this is emotional and historical:


Arthur T's father supposedly took millions from Arthur S's father which he was not entitled to.
Arthur T has built up MB and turned it into a prideful and productive company.
Arthur S bears the animosity of what allegedly happened to his father toward Arthur T.
Arthur S appears to want to pull as much capital out of MB as he can without concern for the company (ergo the $250M distribution).
It seems as though Arthur S would be happy to destroy what Arthur T has built as retribution.
Both have more money than god and appear to be engaged in an emotional battle.


It would be nice to see cooler heads prevail; otherwise, I suspect that this will be scorched earth. Fundamentally, it is not clear whether MB has the capital to survive a prolonged standoff.

Jetskier:cool:

[tis]

ASD and ATD, how about a little ADD?? :laugh:

[nhcatrider]

[U]
It would be nice to see cooler heads prevail; otherwise, I suspect that this will be scorched earth. Fundamentally, it is not clear whether MB has the capital to survive a prolonged standoff.

Jetskier:cool:

They don't. Remember the $250m payout? That was the cash reserves, positive cash flow is non existant right now, and some of the vendors are going cash on delivery now. It's just a matter of time, and time is something they don't have very much of.

[Rusty]

I'll bet MB employees are shocked that the CEO hasn't caved in at all. Next week MB hours will be reduced even more.

All because they got involved with the Demoulas family feud.

[jeffk]

I'll bet MB employees are shocked that the CEO hasn't caved in at all. Next week MB hours will be reduced even more.

All because they got involved with the Demoulas family feud.

Rusty, you speak as if they haven't been involved simply by being employees.

Who knows for sure what might have happened but with the ASD attitude of getting their money out of the business it is very likely that MB would NOT have been a strong competitor as a low price market. Given the current state of the stores it's not clear that the ASD folks know how to run the business. To get their money out of the business prices would probably have gone up, employees cut, and other cost cutting measures taken that would have impacted employees and customers. It might not have happened right away but MB would likely have lost it's niche, lost business, and sold off or closed.

At that point, and probably long before, jobs would be lost and working conditions deteriorated. Employees have been trying to convince the ASD group that they are headed in the wrong direction. This is enlightened self interest. They are trying to save their jobs and a business they like working at. You are suggesting employees should go quietly as lambs to a slaughter?

Employees may be shocked but probably because the ASD management is willing to let a viable business implode.

Also, I'll bet ASD has lost far,far more in current share value over this mess then ATD's father "took" from ASD's father. ASD is cutting off his nose to spite his face. Vendettas can be expensive!

[secondcurve]

I'll bet MB employees are shocked that the CEO hasn't caved in at all. Next week MB hours will be reduced even more.

All because they got involved with the Demoulas family feud.

No. I bet the vast majority believe in what they are doing. I have a feeling that ASD is close to folding. These workers are willing to suffer short-term pain to get long-term gain. I also believe if ASD comes out on top he is going to need the workers as much as they will need him.

Are you a believer in Labor Unions? I hate them but somehow I have a feeling you are a supporter.

[tis]

Rusty, you speak as if they haven't been involved simply by being employees.

Who knows for sure what might have happened but with the ASD attitude of getting their money out of the business it is very likely that MB would NOT have been a strong competitor as a low price market. Given the current state of the stores it's not clear that the ASD folks know how to run the business. To get their money out of the business prices would probably have gone up, employees cut, and other cost cutting measures taken that would have impacted employees and customers. It might not have happened right away but MB would likely have lost it's niche, lost business, and sold off or closed.

At that point, and probably long before, jobs would be lost and working conditions deteriorated. Employees have been trying to convince the ASD group that they are headed in the wrong direction. This is enlightened self interest. They are trying to save their jobs and a business they like working at. You are suggesting employees should go quietly as lambs to a slaughter?

Employees may be shocked but probably because the ASD management is willing to let a viable business implode.

Also, I'll bet ASD has lost far,far more in current share value over this mess then ATD's father "took" from ASD's father. ASD is cutting off his nose to spite his face. Vendettas can be expensive!

What I wonder is how did ALL the employees know all this? Most people don't even listen to the news, I am shocked that these employees knew so much about the company finances.

[ITD]

According to this article the BOD has accepted the price, but ASD has added terms that make the deal undoable. I'm thinking the ASD wants to still keep his fingers in the pie....

In my opinion ASD is driving this company into the ground and it will be a miracle if it comes back any where near as good after this is over.



http://www.wcvb.com/news/arthur-t-demoulas-pushes-for-market-basket-deal-before-its-too-late/27401326#!bBh4Kh

[Farfrumbehavin]

Emotions seem to be very high at this store in Concord:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Seen outside Storrs St. Market Basket... <a href="http://t.co/zKQfCdQ3XB">pic.twitter.com/zKQfCdQ3XB</a></p>&mdash; Josh Rogers (@joshrogersNHPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshrogersNHPR/statuses/491637467674447872">July 22, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Remember your pledge, It's a tough pill to swallow, and I admire your courage, and you may be very suprised and saddened, but you also knew the risk. I probably would have done the same, accept there have been changes with my employment which I didn't like but were not serious enough for me to walk out. Whenever there is an increase in medical insurance, and it never goes down, i am informed that this increase will affect you directly, and it does. Is it a pay cut? The cost of the insurance is added to your gross income when you become elligable, so it may be considered a substantial raise until the cost goes up and then it is considered a cut. In my case I have to consider my options. And so far, campaigning to organize a mutiny is not one of them and would not be good for our buisness. But in my case we have our times when we struggle as a company and the people we work for are the first one to sacrifice to keep the company alive. Regardless of how this whole problem affects employees benefits or consumer pricing, lets get everyone back to work! If they want to work!