By Annie Jonas
May 29, 2025 | 4:02 PM
Market Basket’s chief executive Arthur T. Demoulas was placed on paid administrative leave by the company’s board of directors on Wednesday, who allege that he was planning to lead a work stoppage.
The Executive Committee of Market Basket’s Board of Directors said it was investigating the CEO’s conduct, alleging that Demoulas was planning a work stoppage, resisting orders to comply with the board’s “most basic corporate oversight” and provide them with “access to key employees,” as well as resisting a succession plan for the business, according to a statement.
The committee also wrote that it believes the work stoppage was planned as an act of retaliation due to simmering tensions between Demoulas and the board. Demoulas, his daughter, Madeline, and his son, Telemachus, were also placed on leave, as well as several others, Justine Griffin, a spokesperson for Demoulas, told The Boston Globe.
“At a time of great economic uncertainty for many households, such work stoppages would significantly harm and broadly disrupt Market Basket’s stores and operations across New England, as well as its valued customers, associates, and vendors,” the committee wrote in the statement.
Demoulas will retain his full salary while on leave, and the board plans to rely on Market Basket’s existing management team to “ensure that the operations of the 90 stores will be uninterrupted,” according to the statement.
“Market Basket stores provide a place that our local communities consistently count on for both their livelihoods and daily needs — the Board has a responsibility to safeguard the company’s effective operations now and well into the future,” said Steven J. Collins, Director of Market Basket.
Tensions between the board and management are not new. In 2014, employees and shoppers alike held a walkout and strike to bring the ousted CEO back to the helm of the company, and it worked: Arthur T. reclaimed his role and reached a deal with Market Basket’s shareholders to buy out the chain for $1.6 billion.
When we asked Boston.com readers if they would support another employee walkout, many indicated support for the hypothetical move.
“If the employees think another walkout makes sense, then I’d support them. Basket ‘til the casket,” reader Jesse from Belmont said.
As of this writing, about 400 readers have responded to our poll, just over half (55%) said they won’t shop at Market Basket while Arthur T. is on leave, while 179 readers (45%) said they will continue to shop at the store during the dispute.
Many in favor of boycotting the store said they would do so until the ousted CEO is reinstated, and to show support for Market Basket employees.
“I love Market Basket for what it is, not what the board thinks it can be. I’ve shopped elsewhere before, and if asked, will support the workers,” reader David from Boston said.
Opponents to an employee walkout or boycotting the store likened the latest controversy to a family spat and something not worth fighting over.
“It’s just a turf war in the family. Keep shopping,” Gregory L. from Holliston said.
Others said it’s simply too early to make any changes to their shopping habits.
“I’ll wait and see what happens,” Mike O. from Windham, New Hampshire said.
Below, readers share what the grocery store means to them and how they’ll shop while Arthur T. remains on leave.
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
“I’m a former Market Basket employee of five years. This company gave me my work ethic and also showed me how I should be valued as an employee. I will support a walk out to support Artie T. and what he stands for, as well as what his family coming after him will likely stand for as well. I was here during the 2014 boycott and I remember most seeing my former colleagues at protests, the empty store shelves and general togetherness of supporting the company.” – Kathryn, Dorchester
“I would support a walkout if that’s what it takes. I will not shop at Market Basket until it’s resolved. Arthur T. is the heart and soul of that company and should be treated as such. These power grabs are a disgrace to the family legacy. His father must be rolling in his grave. Stop this nonsense!” – John, Manchester, New Hampshire
“I supported Arthur T. in 2014, and would again. I used to drive up to my neighborhood Market Basket frequently to support the striking workers. If more businesses were run like MB under Arthur T., the world would be a better place.” – Kate, Bolton
“I was here when the 2014 boycott happened. What I remember was the fierce loyalty Market Basket employees showed toward their CEO, the trucks refusing delivery, and the outcry from customers. In the long run I believe it helped their brand. I am a more loyal customer today than I was before that mess in 2014.” – Mike, Framingham
“I would support another walkout. I lived in New England during the previous walkout and recognized how supportive Market Basket employees are of Arthur T. Clearly they see him as a better advocate for their interests and the business than these other directors.” – Terry, North Conway, New Hampshire
“I’m a big supporter of Arthur T. I boycotted the Market Basket stores back in 2014. I LOVE Market Basket. But I won’t cross the line! What loyalty the employees showed Arthur T. [in 2014] was phenomenal!” – Maura S., Nashua, New Hampshire
“He has always placed employees and customers before profits. I fear the board is more interested in profits. I was right at the start of the last boycott and I will be there again.” – Erica F., Dunstable
“I will absolutely be supporting another Market Basket walkout until this is resolved! Arthur T. successfully led Market Basket out of a mountain of debt, the company is thriving, and now they are pushing him out? This reeks of greed. Stop & Shop, here I come!” – Joel, Revere
“Market Basket has the best prices and service in the area. Beats all of their competitors by a longshot. I simply cannot afford to shop at Shaws, Stop and Shop, and Roche Bros.” – Paul B., Mashpee
“Market Basket has good prices and selection. I’m shopping for food, not making political statements.” – Chris, Boston
“We shop at Market Basket once a week, we will take no action that could hurt MB. We have been customers for over 40 years. The fact that Arthur grew the company to what it is today, at the same time paying off the $1.6 billion in debt, says that he should be back in charge! If the other board members can’t see it that way, it is them that should be on leave.” – William C., Keene, New Hampshire
“I cannot bring myself to care about the ownership/leadership of a local grocery store chain. At the end of the day, the Demoulas are worth billions. They will be fine.” – Sean M., Fenway
“Work stoppages should be illegal. They are disruptive to all of us and should not be used as a tool for a minority owner of a company (like Artie T., who owns 28% of Market Basket) to bargain with the Board that hired him.” – Holly C., Andover
“Once is enough. I lived in the Boston area back in 2014. All I remember is Stop & Shop jacking up prices. If Market Basket can’t get past these silly family squabbles and power plays, then that’s their problem. I don’t want to make it mine (again).” – Pat, Stoneham
“There is not enough information out yet that would force me into another store. What is actually happening? Is this really a company that is doing what is best for the company? Is this some ridiculous family rivalry that all of New England has been dragged into? Maybe I am too jaded by current events at the moment to really feel anything about this. Yes, I care about how much staying alive costs, but this is at the bottom of my list of things to care about.” – Nick P., Attleborough
“This sounds like a family issue and would not keep me from shopping at Market Basket.” – Jerry, Lawrence
“I don’t care what happens in the board room. Keep the prices low, the registers open, and the Parisian loaves warm from the oven and I’ll never stop shopping there.” – Matt, Medway
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
