Gov. Patrick reports 'real progress' in Market Basket negotiations

TEWKSBURY, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Gov. Deval Patrick and New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan have apparently joined the negotiations over the dispute that's been going on for five weeks now between Market Basket's board of directors and the company's employees.

A spokesperson for Gov. Patrick tells FOX 25 they met at length Sunday night with interested parties and have made "real progress" on the terms of the sale and the operating control of the company. They are encouraged a resolution may be within reach.

The meeting came as hundreds of Market Basket workers refused to return to work, despite the company's CEOs sending a letter to protesting employees last week. The letter said they had until last Friday to return to work or their employment would end.

The governor's office said the negotiations included the two feuding cousins at the center of the dispute, Arthur T. and Arthur S. Demoulas, as well as Board Chairman Keith Cowan and Tina Albright, representing one of the shareholders.

A board meeting is reportedly scheduled for Monday.

Gov. Patrick's office became involved in the dispute earlier this month when he urged workers to return to their jobs to "stabilize" the crippled company.

Meanwhile, the truck driver accused of threatening Market Basket protesters with a hammer will face a judge Monday. Ira Forbes, 27, of Brooklyn, was arrested Friday. He is accused of assault by means of a dangerous weapon.

Police in Tewksbury allege Forbes got out of his truck with a hammer and started threatening protesters. He was tackled by officers before anyone was hurt. He was a driver for a company that had been hired by Market Basket to work during the protests. Both Forbes and the company were immediately fired by the supermarket chain.

Cox Media Group