The chief executives of the Market Basket supermarkets say employees who have stayed off the job to demand the return of fired CEO Arthur T. Demoulas must return to work by Monday.

The statement Wednesday said the workers can return without penalty. It also says the company will begin seeking replacements for those who don't.

Managers and assistant managers of 68 of the 71 New England stores signed petitions saying they would resign if Demoulas isn't restored ``with full authority.''

The Market Basket board, controlled by his cousin Arthur S. Demoulas, fired Demoulas in June. Employees loyal to Arthur T. have held protests and refused to make warehouse deliveries to stores.

The board said Tuesday it continues to evaluate offers to buy the supermarket chain, including one from Arthur T. Demoulas, among other ``strategic alternatives.''

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