Hostess Foods announced it is closing its facilities in Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Seattle on Monday. Ohioans for Workplace Freedom blames forced unionization for the failure to negotiate contacts which would have allowed the company to recover from fiscal woes. Hostess has supplied generations of children with lunchbox sweet treats. The company was founded in 1930. The company has reportedly been on the verge of bankruptcy for the past several years.
A nationwide strike at Hostess bakeries began last week, the Business Journal reports. The thought of never eating a Twinkie or PB&J on a thick slice of Wonder Bread ever again may soon become a reality. The union strike halted both production and delivery earlier this month. A total of 627 workers have reportedly already been impacted by the plant closings.
Bakeries in Indiana have not yet been affected by the Hostess bakeries closing in three states. The Texas-based company has 36 plants across the country. The strike has reportedly affected 23 of the baking and production facilities.
Hostess officials stated on Monday that the strike prevented the company from making and delivering products, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer . A statement from Hostess Foods CEO Gregory F. Rayburn reads:
“We deeply regret this decision, but we have repeatedly explained that we will close facilities that are no longer able to produce and deliver products because of a work stoppage and that we will close the entire company if widespread strikes cripple our business.”
Cincinnati Hostess employees completed their shifts on Sunday evening but were reportedly locked out at midnight. Disgruntled workers allegedly picketed in front of the bakery on Monday.
Local 57 Union Chief James Yett had this to say about the Hostess closing:
“We went out praying. But I have no regrets. We fought for what we think we deserve.”