WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com/AP) - The beleaguered New England grocery store chain Market Basket is appealing to workers to return after a week of protests and halted store deliveries demanding the return of its fired chief executive.
Arthur T. Demoulas was fired last month by the family-owned company's board, controlled by his cousin.
Market Basket said Friday night there would be no penalty or discipline "for any associate who joins in what will be a significant effort to return to the unparalleled level of performance and customer service that have been hallmarks of the Market Basket brand." It says there would be no changes to compensation and benefits.
The board said earlier it will "seriously consider" Demoulas' offer to buy the company, along with other offers.
The chain has 71 stores in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Full statement from company after board meeting Friday:
The past month has been trying. We appreciate the strain this change of leadership has placed on our associates. We welcome back associates who are committed to Market Basket's customers. There will be no penalty or discipline for any associate who joins in what will be a significant effort to return to the unparalleled level of performance and customer service that have been hallmarks of the Market Basket brand. There will be no change to Market Basket's unmatched compensation and benefits.
Cox Media Group
