By Dan LaRue | Man-on-the-Street Reporter
GLOUCESTER — In the wake of Arthur T. Demoulas being placed on leave once again by Market Basket’s executive committee, rumors of a possible employee walkout are swirling like a stack of flyers in the parking lot. We spoke to five local employees on break outside the Gloucester location to gauge the mood.
Lena, Deli Department, 12 years
“Of course I’m walking out, if it comes to it. He saved our jobs ten years ago, and hasn’t changed since. You don’t build a place like this on low prices and cold cuts alone — it’s loyalty. I still have my ‘Bring Back Artie T’ button on my apron. I just flipped it around after 2014.”
Marcus, Front End Supervisor, 4 years
“Absolutely I’m walking. Artie T knows our names, man. He knows our kids’ names. One time I sprained my ankle running between registers and he sent me a get-well card with a $25 gas card in it. The man is basically the supermarket Mr. Rogers.”
Donna, Bakery, 19 years
“I already told my manager: If Artie ain’t in the store, I ain’t in the store. You don’t just take out the heart of Market Basket and expect the muffins to rise. Last time we had his back, and we will again. I already decorated a batch of solidarity cakes.”
Ethan, Produce, 1 year
“I, uh… think everyone’s entitled to their opinions. I’m just here to stock the tomatoes, you know? I don’t want to get in the middle of anything. Besides, I haven’t even finished reading the email yet. I think my phone glitched.”
Sasha, Frozen Foods, 6 years
“Look, the issue isn’t just Artie. It’s the entire structure. As long as private ownership governs the means of production, workers will remain vulnerable to the whims of dynastic boardroom power struggles. The proletariat must awaken to the reality that labor produces value, and that true economic democracy means collective stewardship over the workplace. That said, yes — I will absolutely walk out for Artie T.”
The Dogtown Reader 