Americans have gone crazy over the possible loss of Twinkies, Ho Ho’s, Ding Dongs, and Hostess CupCakes after the company said it was shutting down because its bakers’ union opted to walk off the job for a strike. People are already asking exorbitant prices on eBay for boxes of the packaged treats.
Hostess and the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) have agreed to enter mediation with a bankruptcy judge, who said there are “serious questions as to the logic behind the decision to strike.” More than 18,000 jobs are at stake.
A Washington Post blogger says that “The AFL-CIO plans to try to turn this into a ‘teachable moment’ and a ‘national discussion.’” Union membership has been declining in the private sector, and the groups are desperate to reverse that trend. But shutting down one of America’s beloved brands certainly isn’t going to win lots of friends.
Read more.