Market Basket Issues Last Request For Headquarters Workers To Return

BOSTON (CBS) – Market Basket has made a "last request" to employees at its headquarters and distribution centers to return to work.

In a statement released Tuesday, Market Basket said a letter was sent to about 200 employees who have not reported to work at the headquarters and distribution centers since July 17.

"The company has not taken any action in response to their absence, but is left with no choice but to make this last request. The company will of course follow all applicable laws should these associates choose to abandon their positions," the statement reads in part.

The employee revolt at Market Basket over the ouster of CEO Arthur T. Demoulas entered its fourth week Monday. Demoulas was fired in June by a board controlled by his rival cousin, Arthur S. Demoulas.

The power struggle has led to walkouts by thousands of employees, and a boycott by customers, leading to a steep drop in sales at the chain with 71 stores in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.

A post on the Save Market Basket Facebook page that supports employees claims the letters were sent from the company via FedEx to 700 employees who have been out of work.

The post states the letter tells employees it is "writing one final time" asking them to report to work by Friday or "the company will consider you to have abandoned your job, thereby ending your employment with the company."

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