RIP Hostess Brands

[Black wallnut]

Back on track of the OP. I think the labor movement may be getting a bit of a raw deal here. I do not see this product line being successful in the marketplace anymore. At least not in the way it has been. Continental Baking company controlled not just production but also the supply chain to the retailer with a product line that is shrinking due to an aging population plus a population that is changing due to immigration as well as the former and majority not producing offspring and yet they are offering a product aimed at this shrinking base that also now suddenly is becoming more health conscious. I can see how their days were numbered. Unions not willing to compromise just made the outcome quicker. Yet they get the blame. I have no love of the American labor movement yet I do not see them as the villain here. Some businesses just need to fail. I pray for the displaced workers. I can't remember the last time I ate a Hostess product, I'll not miss it.

[Pappy]

Mediation talks failed yesterday so it is back to court today. The company didn't totally blame the strike for their failure, just saide it was the 'last straw'. There seems to be lot of problems ranging from labor/cost to changing demographics to mismanagement that combined to kill the acompany.

[BobSch]

Here's the latest from the court

Hostess gets green light from bankruptcy court judge to start winding down its operations

http://www.startribune.com/business/180411711.html

[woodturner]

The company didn't totally blame the strike for their failure, just saide it was the 'last straw'.

Strangely enough, the teamsters are opposing the strike and implying that a proper vote was not conducted.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/16/hostess-liquidation-teamsters-bakers-union_n_2145851.html

One "bun packer" was quoted as saying she would rather not have a job than give in to concessions that would reduce her wages to $45K a year(roughly $21.60/hour). In my opinion, $45K/year is pretty good money for essentially unskilled labor - and more than most college graduates make starting out.

With worker attitudes like that as well as severe inefficiencies related to the union contract, it doesn't seem surprising that they can't make a profitable business. BTW, the executives have been working for $1/year, so they are making greater sacrifices than the workers.