Business & Tech

Portsmouth Market Basket Makes Appeal to Community

Thousands have signed a petition at the Portsmouth Market Basket on Lafayette Road as a feud rages over control of the grocery chain.

The Portsmouth Market Basket on Lafayette Road is asking for shoppers' support as a feud rages over control of the company.

Market Basket, based in Tewksbury, Mass., operates about 70 grocery stores in New England that employ about 20,000 workers. Those workers are rallying to save CEO Arthur T. Demoulas' job, as the company's board is reportedly considering ousting him. The removal effort is being led by his cousin, Arthur S. Demoulas, according to the Lowell Sun.

Workers fear the removal of Arthur T. Demoulas could lead to the company being sold off.

On Tuesday, workers at the Portsmouth Market Basket on Lafayette Road asked shoppers to sign a petition supporting him.

"We hope this influences the board," said Michael Desmond, assistant store manager.

Thousands of local shoppers have signed the petition.

Market Basket workers have also taken their fight to social media, posting updates on a "Save Market Basket" Facebook page and using hashtags like #SaveArthurT on Twitter. Desmond said a worker at his store helped create and spread that hashtag.

An online petition in support of Arthur T. Demoulas has racked up about 40,000 signatures.

There are about 140 workers at the Portsmouth Market Basket on Lafayette Road. There's another Market Basket on Woodbury Avenue in Portsmouth.

"A lot of people could be affected by (Demoulas' removal)," Desmond said.

The board is expected to meet Thursday to decide Demoulas' fate, the Sun reported.


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