Help Save Market Basket!!!

[patman]

Originally Posted by HellRaZoR004

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-bas...212662#!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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

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.

[tis]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

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.

[phoenix]

I thought maybe one of the smaller shareholders would just switch sides and take a buy out and change the ownership back to ASD but that hasn't happened. I have watched many shows that interview customers and they appear to be solid also so all the employees can go back but if no one shows up to buy the place will go out anyway . I would be surprised for another company to buy MB as it thrived on lower prices and can't see Hanniford's allowing any stores to be as inexpensive as MB was

[dave603]

They questioned the ability of the new management after receiving an over payment of $400K.

http://www.boston.com/business/news/...K8L/story.html

This story just keeps getting more bazaar.

[Farfrumbehavin]

If they don't have enough sense to to put their personal issues aside, do what's best for their employees, stockholders, and their customers, than their not the great company that I thought they were when this all started. There is no such thing as loyalty after all. At this point it doesn't matter who is to blame for the gridlock, it is clear that people have lost interest in the issue and have moved on and found someplace else to shop. At least we have. It's so ridiculous that I think I will just stay at Hannaford. I'm seeing some really good deals and I think they realize, that is how they can keep customers coming back.

[tis]

When people get mad, they don't care who or what it affects. It is more important to be mad.

[Waterbaby]

Originally Posted by Farfrumbehavin

If they don't have enough sense to to put their personal issues aside, do what's best for their employees, stockholders, and their customers, than their not the great company that I thought they were when this all started. There is no such thing as loyalty after all. At this point it doesn't matter who is to blame for the gridlock, it is clear that people have lost interest in the issue and have moved on and found someplace else to shop. At least we have. It's so ridiculous that I think I will just stay at Hannaford. I'm seeing some really good deals and I think they realize, that is how they can keep customers coming back.

FFB - I do not believe that people have lost interest in the issue and moved on; it is far from that point in the area that I live in (SE NH). There are a LOT of MB stores here, and people are still wholeheartedly boycotting, employees are still working, and it is still a main topic of conversation.

I am also shopping at Hannaford because their prices are the closest to MB that I can find in the Exeter area. Good deals? Sometimes. However, I don't think those will continue if MB is eliminated; my take is they are creating goodwill for the displaced MB shoppers, in hopes we will continue shopping there even if MB gets back to normal. I will admit, the employees there have been great, noticing when I (and many other people) appear "lost" because we don't know the store and helping us find things.

All of that being said, I am respectfully disagreeing with your statements and hope that your feelings are not widespread.

[RailroadJoe]

Same thing here. And your correct I found three people looking lost at Hannaford and we all are still MB customers.

[tummyman]

We are loyal MB customers for over 30 years and are fully boycotting the chain until "T" is back. However, we are concerned by the news accounts of financing problems. Paying back debt will be a major issue going forward. As a starter, although it may be unpopular with some, I say eliminate the 4% giveback to customers. It is scheduled to end at the end of the year anyway and if it will make a difference to get the stores back and profitable, it is a small price to pay. And anyway, it was ONLY just a promotion for one year. Be done with it now and let's stabilize a gem, as well as bet "ASSOCIATES" back to work !!! We had stockpiled some items from MB that were their brand, and we are almost out of all of them. Time for this to end, if the greed and vengeance can be overcome.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by RailroadJoe

Same thing here. And your correct I found three people looking lost at Hannaford and we all are still MB customers.

How do you know they used to shop a MB and how do you know they are still MB customers. Are you asking everyone that question at Hannaford?

[WakeboardMom]

Originally Posted by Rusty

How do you know they used to shop a MB and how do you know they are still MB customers. Are you asking everyone that question at Hannaford?

At the Hannaford in my town, there are lots of folks wandering around, clearly confused and needing help from the staff. These folks aren't shy about stating that they're displaced MB customers. Many are commiserating with each other as they search for items.

I have heard similar stories from several friends who have had this experience in other Hannafords and Shaws in the Lowell/Nashua/Salem area.

[RailroadJoe]

To Rusty. YES, I do ask them if they were customers at MB and their reply is yes I can't find things here.. Also one person stocking shelves worked for Nabisco and informed me she normally stock MB and has to do Hannafords. I talk to people.

[dave603]

It's hard to tell at the Nashua Hannaford. Just when this all started they had just begun reworking the store here.
So even the regular Hannaford customers are lost.
What they did to get extra help was at first bring in Vendors with special jackets saying they can help you find what you want. Then they brought in employees from outside the area that do not have MBs near them, mostly from Maine and New York.

There is a lot of joking about how far away you have to park to get to the store, people are calling it the " Market Basket Customer Exercise program".

[Farfrumbehavin]

Originally Posted by Waterbaby

FFB - I do not believe that people have lost interest in the issue and moved on; it is far from that point in the area that I live in (SE NH). There are a LOT of MB stores here, and people are still wholeheartedly boycotting, employees are still working, and it is still a main topic of conversation.

I am also shopping at Hannaford because their prices are the closest to MB that I can find in the Exeter area. Good deals? Sometimes. However, I don't think those will continue if MB is eliminated; my take is they are creating goodwill for the displaced MB shoppers, in hopes we will continue shopping there even if MB gets back to normal. I will admit, the employees there have been great, noticing when I (and many other people) appear "lost" because we don't know the store and helping us find things.

All of that being said, I am respectfully disagreeing with your statements and hope that your feelings are not widespread.

I hope I'm wrong and things get back to normal for everyones sake. My comments are only a general feeling I get from just a few people in my area, when the subject came up. Based on the number of new post and what little talk I hear on the subject, it APPEARS that many people have lost interest . The general feeling I get is that most people have come to terms with the fact that it is very unlikely tha ATD will be back (opinions) and things will be back the way they were before this all happened. The decision to shop back at MB may be decided by factors other than thier great bargains. It does bother me that they have not been more loyal to there employees or customers but the decision where to shop may come down to a matter of convenience in the end. The road I drive to Hannaford is very rough but there are no traffic lights. I think many MIGHT agree that the great deals are over! Respectfully. At least we are still interested!

[Greene's Basin Girl]

WMUR news at noon said there may be a decision tomorrow, but who knows???

[Rusty]

I wonder why forum member jmen24 who is the originator of this thread hasn't said anything about how his wife is doing?

He said that his wife is a manager at Market Basket, and her job supplies 60%of their household income, all of their health insurance and $10K a year in grocery's at PAST MB prices.

That's a lot of income and benefits to lose for any family in todays economy.

[Scott's Yott]

I'm sorry but i still dont get this whole thing....If everyone stopped working because they didnt like their boss, then I dont think many people would be working. And if they walked off the job then they should all get fired.

[tis]

I still don't get it either, Scott!!! I totally agree with you. I am still amazed by the whole thing.

[jeffk]

Originally Posted by Scott's Yott

I'm sorry but i still dont get this whole thing....If everyone stopped working because they didnt like their boss, then I dont think many people would be working. And if they walked off the job then they should all get fired.

Well, I have left several companies because I thought they took a serious wrong turn with their business strategies. As much as I could, I would voice my concerns. After it became clear no changes were coming, I left. Every one of the companies either went out of business or suffered serious business collapses.

I think it is a sign of how much MB employees were connected to the business that they would recognize a serious problem and be willing to stand up to address it.

Talking about "firing" masses of people who all walk off the job is simplistic. The business needs the experienced people as much as the people need the business for jobs. Losing a significant amount of your workforce is extremely disruptive, perhaps fatally so, to a business. To management trying to build a business it would be unthinkable. To management only interested in getting their money out of the business, maybe they just don't care.

[dave603]

Originally Posted by Scott's Yott

I'm sorry but i still dont get this whole thing....If everyone stopped working because they didnt like their boss, then I dont think many people would be working. And if they walked off the job then they should all get fired.

It's not so much that they don't like the boss, it's more that they are afraid the new bosses will destroy the business.

It's like what happened at Circuit City:
"In 2007, the starting wage for new employees was dropped from $8.75 an hour down to $7.40 an hour ($6.55 being the federal minimum wage at the time). In a press release on March 28, 2007, Circuit City announced that in a "wage management" decision in order to cut costs, it had laid off approximately 3400 better-paid associates and would re-staff the positions at the lower market-based salaries. Laid-off associates were provided severance and offered a chance to be re-hired after ten weeks at prevailing wages. The Washington Post reported interviews with management concerning the firings.

The Post later reported in May 2007 that the layoffs, and consequent loss of experienced sales staff, appeared to be "backfiring" and resulting in slower sales."

How many of those are still around?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_City

[phoenix]

All such deals take several months to close. Mergers, acquisitions etc go thru a detailed due diligence process . They have a binding agreement ( from what's been reported) which will usually have break up fees and a time frame to close. Since there is some financing whether it is private equity or bank , those firms require a level of " kicking the tires" to insure their investment. So yes there is always a chance that any deal can fall apart but in this instance since there should be no surprises its highly likely the deal will happen.

[webmaster]

What do you do after you've faced down Goliath? Thumbs up and back to work for Artie T. #MarketBasket pic.twitter.com/tUhVsghtRc

— DJ Stuart (@NHWoodsGirl) August 29, 2014

Everyone happily re-stocking shelves...and saying thank you all around.#MarketBasket pic.twitter.com/QXxyGlbJAH

— DJ Stuart (@NHWoodsGirl) August 29, 2014

Lots of cheery good mornings and thumbs up at Market Basket today!#MarketBasket pic.twitter.com/NVSJDrZWDP

— DJ Stuart (@NHWoodsGirl) August 29, 2014

pic.twitter.com/vbhoqSGk31

— DJ Stuart (@NHWoodsGirl) August 29, 2014

[pcmc]

That's great to see Don. Thanks for that post and the pics.

[Rusty]

The MB employee in the picture has 30 years with the store. MB must have something going for them to be that happy with your job:

[topwater]

Out of the 50 Million Dollars they LOST. How are they going to recoup their losses? How much higher do you eventually think the prices will go up? There is NO way a company and shareholders can afford to take a hit like this. When do YOU think this will happen? 1 month..2months 3 months from now?

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by topwater

Out of the 50 Million Dollars they LOST. How are they going to recoup their losses? How much higher do you eventually think the prices will go up? There is NO way a company and shareholders can afford to take a hit like this. When do YOU think this will happen? 1 month..2months 3 months from now?

If the reported buyout is $1.5 billion dollars do you think the $50mil is going to sink them? I think not.

Are there shareholders that are not part of the family?

Did they actually lose $50mil in expenses or did they miss out on $50mil worth of business?

[ITD]

Originally Posted by codeman671

If the reported buyout is $1.5 billion dollars do you think the $50mil is going to sink them? I think not.

Are there shareholders that are not part of the family?

Did they actually lose $50mil in expenses or did they miss out on $50mil worth of business?

Let's do a little math........ it is said that MB did about $3 billion in sales per year, that's $3,000,000,000.00. Let's assume that they do the same sales every week all year long to make the math easy, so $3 billion divided by 52 is about $57 million per week. Market basket has been shut down for about six weeks, but let's call it five weeks. That's about $288 million lost revenues. Ouch .

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by ITD

Let's do a little math........ it is said that MB did about $3 billion in sales per year, that's $3,000,000,000.00. Let's assume that they do the same sales every week all year long to make the math easy, so $3 billion divided by 52 is about $57 million per week. Market basket has been shut down for about six weeks, but let's call it five weeks. That's about $288 million lost revenues. Ouch .

The lawyer fees were probably more then that and it "ain't" over yet...not by a long shot!

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Rusty

The lawyer fees were probably more then that and it "ain't" over yet...not by a long shot!

This is a done deal. You must remember that the losing side will be picking up $1.5Billion when the deal closes. This deal will happen in Q4.

[ITD]

Originally Posted by Rusty

The lawyer fees were probably more then that and it "ain't" over yet...not by a long shot!

I agree, but I doubt we'll hear anything about it, the stakes are too high. They will get it hashed out and I think it will be a good thing. Even though ASD is getting $1.5 billion, I think in the long run they will be the financial losers in this whole thing.

[Farfrumbehavin]

Originally Posted by ITD

Let's do a little math........ it is said that MB did about $3 billion in sales per year, that's $3,000,000,000.00. Let's assume that they do the same sales every week all year long to make the math easy, so $3 billion divided by 52 is about $57 million per week. Market basket has been shut down for about six weeks, but let's call it five weeks. That's about $288 million lost revenues. Ouch .

Impressive #'s. Investors must be coming out of the woodwork to back Arthur T. According to the Boston Globe one investor is in for $500 million. Sale price 1.64 billion. He's promising not to raise prices. No doubt he will get the financial support. I'm glad to say I called this one wrong.

[Orion]

$3B is gross sales number. The margins in the food industry aren't very big so revenues are a fraction of that.

[dave603]

Market Basket board tells employees to get back to work


Read more: http://www.wmur.com/money/market-bas...#ixzz38znE7NLC

[ITD]

Originally Posted by dave603

Market Basket board tells employees to get back to work


Read more: http://www.wmur.com/money/market-bas...#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]

Originally Posted by ITD

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]

[RANGER CANOE CO]

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

[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

[missedbass]

Originally Posted by 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

Very true but nothing happens without consumers

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

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-....5-Oz/10295160

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Rusty

They do come in slices as the below image illustrates:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Del-Monte-....5-Oz/10295160

Thanks goodness we solved that huge problem.

[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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

[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 !!!

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by tis

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

[KeepItSimple]

security at the wedding is pretty tight. a uniformed officer stopped us on the road to our camp which is just around the bend from the wedding site and asked if we were on the confirmed guest list.

the band sounds good though. and the seaplane thats been flying people in for the past few days has been putting on quite a show for my 2 and 4 year old kids with landings and takeoffs right in front of our dock.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

WMUR said today may be the big day. Arthur T. is willing to give his relatives what they want to purchase the business. Only time will tell what the future holds.

[pcmc]

If Arthur T. is the genius businessman, and the other, the geniass of the family, I hope he can regain the trust of his employes and his customers rally back.
This whole mess is awful.

[RLW]

KeepItSimple, I was just browsing through the forum and noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum after joining back in July 2010. We are glad that you have come aboard and joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

Great to see ya back posting on the forum. We look forward to see a lots more of you here.

[Pineedles]

I haven't offered an opinion on this issue, yet but have been following thread as well as internet and newspaper articles. I find it amazing that any group of employees would be willing to forgo their paychecks for so long. There must be something that ATD has that appeals to these people. I am reminded of the mill in Mass that burned down and the owner kept paying his people until the business was rebuilt. Well wishes to all those that are struggling with missed paychecks.

[Jeanzb1]

Just saw online that the meeting scheduled for 10 p.m. tonight has been cancelled.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

I am reminded of the mill in Mass that burned down and the owner kept paying his people until the business was rebuilt.

You would be refering to Aaron Feuerstein of Malden Mills (Polortec fleece).

[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

[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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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.

[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.

[Farfrumbehavin]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by Farfrumbehavin

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!

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by tabascocat98

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?

[tabascocat98]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

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 .

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Farfrumbehavin

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.

[Farfrumbehavin]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

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.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by HellRaZoR004

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-supe...350086#!byl1BJ

[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.

[P-3 Guy]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

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/...orneys-General

[diz]

Originally Posted by 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/...orneys-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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

Do you have one?

[diz]

Originally Posted by Rusty

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

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]

Originally Posted by Rusty

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

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.