Resistance Is Futile

Over the last month, I have been following a story which has not been reported outside of New England. In addition, I wrote about it, when I first read about it, on July 26 called Power To the People, Right On! , where I discussed the support of workers of the family-owned supermarket chain Market Basket for ousted CEO Arthur T Demoulas by the  board members who supported his cousin, Arthur S Demoulas.

Artie T, as he is affectionately known by his employees and customers, has taken a professional, measured and  respectful position during this difficult time for the company, whereas his cousin has acted like a petulant buffoon, putting dollars over the needs of both customers and employees. After he fired his cousin in June, Arthur S appointed two puppets to act as Co-CEOs to run the day-to-day operations of the company.

That certainly hasn't worked out too well, now has it? 

During this time, the NON-UNION workers have set up picket lines to support Artie T, customers have driven by to stand with the "striking" workers, giving them food, water and encouragement, truck drivers have refused to make deliveries, the reporters have given honest reports and the Governors of Massachusetts and New Hampshire have used their power and influence of position and office to insert themselves and interfere with the running of a private enterprise.  

On this last point, I was initially annoyed. But in fact, they didn't take sides; instead they tried to exercise reason where none existed.  Both sides were intransigent and only the employees and customers have suffered.

Meanwhile, as had been reported in  several prior articles,  as well as Sunday's WCVB online article, Artie T has again offered to buy the company in order to resolve this as quickly as possible. At the time this is written, there are unconfirmed reports that the deal is done.

At a minimum, once Artie T buys out the other family members, he should fire the existing board and appoint intelligent,  smart business people who will offer guidance and steadiness to the company while it regains and rebuilds its reputation in the communities it serves. Then, he and the new board needs to categorize its business model to develop a sustainable business plan for the future. Part of that plan should include the definition of the employee role for future operations.

Once this all has put into place, consideration to take the company public should be explored, with preference given to employees and the current management. That will prove to be a "poison pill" against a hostile takeover by Arthur S and his team.

Good Luck and congratulations to Artie T, his loyal employees and to the customers for standing up for what is right. Your devotion and unselfishness should be admired all those who understand that supporting small business is the true American way of American business.

Artie T and his loyal team proved to those who opposed them that "resistance is futile".