Topsham, ME. Market Basket Facebook Photo by Adam Glanzman
By Jeff LeBlanc, DBA
“Yes. I… yes, I would.” — Market Basket employee, Gen X, June 2025
That pause was brief—but powerful. When I asked a longtime employee at a Merrimack Valley Market Basket if they’d walk out again like they did in 2014, there was no doubt in their mind.
But when I asked a Gen Z employee the same question, the answer was different.
“Honestly, I don’t even remember the 2014 situation. It just seems like it’s asking a lot of the employees. Why’s it on us?”
That quote stuck with me. Not because it was cynical—but because it was a reminder of how much has changed since the last chapter of the Market Basket saga.
Back in 2014, the fight to bring back CEO Arthur T. Demoulas wasn’t just a corporate standoff—it was a cultural moment. Thousands of employees walked off the job. Customers across New England—including here in Lowell—joined boycotts. The aisles were empty, but the streets were full.
They weren’t asking for raises or benefits. They were fighting for a leader they believed represented loyalty and fairness. And it worked. Arthur T., a Lowell native, returned to lead the company.
But now, in 2025, the story may be repeating—just with a different cast and a different energy.
Arthur T. has been placed on administrative leave. Rumors of internal conflict are swirling. And once again, the word “walkout” is surfacing.
But this time, the front lines are mostly Gen Z and Millennials—many of whom weren’t even in high school during the 2014 events.
And the workforce today? It’s more skeptical. More transient. Less sentimental.
One Gen Z employee put it this way:
“There’s no way I really care about the long-term health of the company. I’m not going to work here for life. But I do care about the people I work with—and people need affordable prices. I’m torn.”
Market Basket Facebook Photo by Adam Glanzman
That’s not apathy. That’s a values shift.
As someone who studies Gen Z in the workplace, I’ve found that this generation still believes in empathy—but not in a nostalgic, soft-focus way. They want structure, fairness, and clarity. They’ve grown up watching CEOs cash out while their parents lost jobs on Zoom calls. So loyalty doesn’t look the same.
One younger employee from the Merrimack Valley told me:
“I really like the people I work with. I will say that. So, I mean, I’d say if they walk, I’d be willing to go with them. But no—I don’t see myself organizing the walkout.”
As someone who studies Gen Z’s evolving relationship with work, including through my own leadership model—Engaged Empathy—I’ve seen this pattern again and again. Gen Z isn’t disengaged; they’re discerning. They aren’t driven by blind loyalty but by relational fairness—a sense that if they give effort, they should receive clarity, support, and respect in return. They’re more likely to ask, “Is this system fair for everyone here?” rather than, “How do I climb the ladder?” And when they feel unseen or manipulated, they don’t rage—they exit. Quiet quitting, public organizing, or even digital advocacy are more their style than picket lines and megaphones. But the core values—empathy, justice, and community—remain.
That’s the crux of it. The Gen X employee might walk out without hesitation. But Gen Z? They hesitate—but not because they don’t care. Because they’re carrying two truths at once:
– the need to act
– and the need to care for others
When I asked what empathy looks like to them in a moment like this, one younger worker said:
“Yeah, that’s when I think of the customers. We have a lot of people who are elderly and can’t afford to go anywhere else. That actually makes it harder, because we can stay open for them—or walk out and hope that we can keep MB the way it is long term.”
This isn’t just a generational difference—it’s a deeply human story. It’s about how a hometown company that once stood as a symbol of fairness is now being re-evaluated by a new generation.
So, what happens if there is another walkout?
I’d argue this one won’t be about legacy—it’ll be about values. And Gen Z’s values are built on fairness, transparency, mutual respect, and meaningful work. They won’t walk out because someone tells them to. But they also won’t stay silent if they feel betrayed.
They may walk. They may organize online. They may quietly leave. Or they may stay—and push for something better from the inside.
In 2014, Market Basket workers fought for a leader.
In 2025, they may fight for something broader.
Maybe even something more powerful.
17 responses to “Market Basket’s Next Walkout Might Start in The Merrimack Valley—But It Likely Won’t Look Like 2014”
Regardless what Happens the DEMOULAS FAMALIES will all remain Billioaire
This was such a great read and makes so much sense!! Great job!!
I’m sure there were plenty of you get workers who needed to be convinced last time, too.
I have already started shopping elsewhere. I have friends and family at MB, but Artie T and his followers are being treated unfairly. I know in his heart he follows his parents dreams for the organization.
I rememberthe 2014 entire thing. I was one of the customers that decided to hang in there until the final decision. The outcome made just not the employees happy but all the long term customers that believed in doing the right thing. Even as shelves got a little more emptied I was only going to shop at MB. So many LOYAL, CARING, JUST GOOD EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS THE ENTIRE TIME. Actually weather an employee or customer was young or old it didn’t seem to matter at that time kind of. Everybody just felt so strongly what the right thing to do was. This time around hopefully a walk out will not happen again. If it does no matter the person young or old I think the right thing will happen again. Sure it’s not 2014. Issues are different this time in 2025.Artie T. Is a good man, truly cares so much about MB,LOYAL employees and customers. I hope things will turn out for the best this time also. But I do think the board that put Artie on leave is wrong in this decision. Artiest TRULY doesn’t just care about money end but he cares a lot more fir employees and customers that if it happens will stand by him again. Yes his sisters part of the board but this us a longtime family business that has proved over and over they can accomplish so much standing up for what’s right. Those other people I feel like is all they see are just dollar signs. Just not right. Doesn’t sound like his susters on the board remember it’s not just Artie’s own family but employees and customers are his family to. I feel like the board has forgotten how important Artie really means to everybody. If another walk out happens there would be many people supporting him and hopefully that won’t happen. But with everything going on in the world and our country right now. There is still HOPE. Things could be resolved if some of the other board members really understand how much long running family business with Artie still being CEO really means to employees and customers.Sorry for long message. There is still time to work something out for everybody to be happy. Sometimes it doesn’t come down to just dollar signs. People and hard work,that are loyal and really care should come first. Sounds like board members can’t stand to be told no so they decided to add fuel to fire to put Artie on leave and at least they said was paid leave. Artie has more class,trust,and empathy in his pinky finger than those other board members entire bodies. Hoping for a good resolution of issues sooner than later. At least we are lucky that in our country have grocery stores, retail stores, any kind of stores compared to other places in the world that don’t because of being blown away because of war. ALL Market Basket stores deserve to stay open and run well with Artue as CEO. Remember how much MB has gone through in past years. Right back when first started. MB is only grocery store not crazy expensive like all the rest if you really looked. Some of those board members should be ashamed of themselves. They need to take a good look at themselves in the mirror and remind themselves be greatful what you have and how you have gotten this far. Buildings still standing and Artie has been there through good and bad. ALWAYS been there for all the loyal employees and customers. Board sounds like they just care about the money end of things. I think they really have forgotten without the many LOYAL employees and customers they would not have in their own personal bank accounts what they have today. But when does that get to the point of saying when is it enough??? It’s really sad this board has forgotten the true simple values, caring about what is right from wrong on so many levels? I will always have HOPE and pray a good agreement and still having Artue as CEO will happen.
If they go,we go.
I truly support ArtieT. I always tell people that complain about how little they get for the money to go to Market Basket…you get more for your money. I hope there isn’t a walkout because I dread spending more money for less.
I know people that work for Market Basket and they all love ArtieT. He treats his employees with respect and gives generous bonuses every year. I will remain loyal to Market Basket no matter what happens.
To the board members..shame on you..especially ArtieT ‘s sisters. Family should stick together not stab each other in the back.I am certain the share of the profits you receive is more than enough seeing as Market Basket is always packed. Greed is a terrible thing.
2014 was full of loyal customers and workers most of the workers back then are gone retired moved on .. the workers today all feel they don’t get paid enough don’t show up for shifts there is no loyalty anymore among the workers they would do it for the summer off and half wouldn’t come back .. its a family matter that needs to resolve within them … good luck if it goes sideways a lot of people will be crushed and no one will care just like what happened to the part time workers in 2014 … they took the biggest loss financially back then …
I have three adult children, who have made careers at Market Basket. I’m proud of them. I am proud of Market Basket and I am so grateful for Artie T. As many have said, shame on the sisters for causing this issue. As much as I would hate to see my kids out of work, I support a walk out and I will not shop there if Artie isn’t allowed back soon.
Bring back Arti before you sisters run this well oiled company to the ground. Wake up and smell the coffee ladies!
This situation just shows that corporate greed has taken over. MB was one of the few places left you could shop and not drain your wages. I hope the employees revolt because the customers will follow. With where prices are gonna go over the next 3+ years, we need to protect what few good options we have left.
I supported art.t in claremont nh in 2014, brought the workers a box of coffee from dunking donuts on my harley, I am sick of the greed that people have regarding selling a co. To get rich. Our morale is going down the tubes to help the average person in this country.
**“Honestly, I don’t even remember the 2014 situation. It just seems like it’s asking a lot of the employees. Why’s it on us?”**
Why is it on the employees? Why is it on the public?
These are Billionaires fighting over ego.
They’ll all still be billionaires whatever way this works out. A
Am I’M supposed to feel bad for them?
We the costumers need to show the sisters Artie T is the company. They want to cash out which will hurt us with higher prices.
The best place to shop MB, the sisters are greedy, but they will be remembered how nasty they’re are. Mr Arthur will be remembered a Great person that cares about others.
Why is it on us? Such a good question. If it’s just family fighting it isn’t on us. The better question, however, is what the board wants to do after getting rid of the leaders who run the company FOR the community and FOR the workers, not JUST for them. Yes, the family has made a lot of money running these grocery stores for years, but they have always run it as a local, family run business, not price gouging and maintaining great product and variety. They have taken care of their employees. More importantly, they have not sold out to conglomerates owned by people overseas. If the board sells out, who are they going to sell to? Check out your other “local” grocery stores, and look into who owns them.
As a person that has grown up with MB in a very personal way I’m appalled. I honestly can’t believe that the “FAMILY “ would pull this kind of BS again. I was at every rally in 2014 that I could go to it was an amazing thing to see the community bring those arrogant walking dead and by that i mean they both helped out on completely destroying the company that they the worked for.
NICE choice “THE BOAD” did actually bringing them here. I’m so glad to stand up family.
I GUESS you have forgotten what your grandparents started with. Maybe they should take a look back. It might slap them across the face. At the end it’s does not matter who has more money the only thing that does matter can you three in your entitled greedy B$$& remember it doesn’t matter. What does is your soul as your praying to be forgiving for what you done I’m sure who ever comes to bring over will tell you that in the end it’s FAMILY that matters no the $$$$