Governor Hassan's Statement on Market Basket Layoffs of Part-Time Associates

Press Release

Governor Maggie Hassan today issued the following statement on reports that beginning next week Market Basket managers are being forced to cut or eliminate hours for part-time workers:

"We estimate nearly 8,000 people work part time at almost 30 Market Basket stores in New Hampshire. Market Basket is important to our state's economy and plays a critical role in our communities for both employees and consumers, providing fair living wages to its employees and affordable products to its customers. I have been heartened by the support I have seen across New Hampshire for this New England tradition and by the value New Hampshire citizens place on their neighbors being treated and paid fairly.

"The reports about these reductions in hours are incredibly troubling, as many of these dedicated employees have been showing up for work and clearly value the company's past, present and future. New Hampshire Employment Security has worked with store managers to ensure that affected employees know about available resources. Many employees, depending on their hours and individual circumstances, are likely eligible for unemployment benefits. We encourage employees to apply online for unemployment benefits, but I know that nothing can compare to the security of a job.

"While this may be a private business dispute, it is having a significant financial impact on New Hampshire -- on our families, consumers, farmers and other vendors -- and it will create new costs for the state's Unemployment Trust Fund. I continue to urge Market Basket leadership to listen to the concerns of their employees and customers and reach a constructive resolution in order to keep these dedicated workers employed and reduce the impact on consumers."

Market Basket employs nearly 9,500 people in total in New Hampshire.

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