New Twinkie Maker Shuns Union Labor (gosh, who woulda thought?)

[Brickbat]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324474004578443062380660262.html

The company that bought the Twinkie, HoHo and Ding Dong brands out of bankruptcy is gearing up to reopen plants and hire workers, but it won't be using union labor.

Hostess Brands LLC—Metropoulos & Co. and Apollo Global Management LLC's APO +2.02% new incarnation of the baking company that liquidated in Chapter 11—is reopening four bakeries in the next eight to 10 weeks, aiming to get Twinkie-deprived consumers the classic snack cake starting in July.

Chief Executive C. Dean Metropoulos said the company will pump $60 million in capital investments into the plants between now and September and aims to hire at least 1,500 workers. But they won't be represented by unions, including the one whose nationwide strike sparked the 86-year-old company's decision to shut down in November.

"We do not expect to be involved in the union going forward," Mr. Metropoulos said in an interview Wednesday.

Too bad. Did you know that these snacks actually had a union label on the packaging? Some foods still do. But these won't anymore.

[femmocrat]

1. They're not good for you anyhow!

"Empty calories". Eat an apple instead.

[HockeyMom]

3. I didn't eat them as child in the 50s

Most certainly wouldn't now.

[SamKnause]

2. Twinkies

If the citizens of the U.S. were informed on the true reason of this bankruptcy and cared about their futures, the futures of their children, and the futures of their fellow workers not a single Twinkie, Ho Ho or Ding Dong would sell.

Not a single person should purchase any of their products until a union is in place.

The wages in this country will continue to stagnate or drop until the power of unions are restored.

I do not understand why the citizens of this country do not understand this simple fact !!!!!!!

Which side are the citizens in this country on ??????

[antigop]

7. they don't understand because of the anti-union propaganda they have been exposed to for a long

time.

Found this on Youtube:

Says Target workers have to watch this.

[SamKnause]

12. Union 1

I have seen this.

Fortunately I am informed enough to recognize propaganda.

I have been a member in 2 unions.

Thanks for posting this video.

Maybe someone will learn something new today.

[antigop]

16. I also think part of the problem is that US labor history is not taught in school. nt

[antigop]

9. View the "Confessions of a Union Buster" series on Youtube;

Part I: Fear Union Busting 101

&playnext=1&list=PL5943B7DC0233200E

The rest are on the Youtube channel.

[SamKnause]

13. Unions 2

I have seen it.

I wish others would do research on the value of unions.

I have been a member of 2 unions.

Maybe someone will watch the video you posted and learn some facts about the subject.

Thanks for posting the video.

[antigop]

14. You are welcome. Hope the Unionbusting videos get some views. nt

[whttevrr]

4. What wages are they paying?

Before I cast judgement, I need to know if they are paying a living wage comparable to union wages. I have a special spot for twinkies. It is a snack that my mom could afford to buy for me when I was a child.

I was glad to read that the company would be bought and put back into production.

The thing that troubles me is the statement "We do not expect to be involved in the union going forward"; I do believe that is the choice of the actual workers, not Mr. Metropoulos. If they do not pay a decent wage to the people who are making these delicious, non-essential, snack items, I for one will not be buying them. If however they decide to pay the people who make this product a good wage I could even see myself buying their products as gifts. Nothing extravagant, but maybe some twinkies for the work pantry or something like that.

They seem to believe in the Brand name, let's hope they believe in workers too.

Anyone know how they treat other companies they have invested in before?

[antigop]

6. it's not just about "wages"...it's about benefits, working conditions (including safety), and

democracy in the workplace.

[leftyohiolib]

8. this is why we cant advance our agenda

"The thing that troubles me is the statement "We do not expect to be involved in the union going forward"; I do believe that is the choice of the actual workers, not Mr. Metropoulos." that's just a rationalization you're using so you can eat your twinkies. it's the choice of workers who want to keep their jobs since management tends to fire people who try to organize.

[antigop]

10. Be sure to see the "Confessions of a Union Buster" series on Youtube (post #9)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022752693#post9

[whttevrr]

11. Not really...

that's just a rationalization you're using so you can eat your twinkies

There is a sadism in my twinkie plan, I no longer eat them; for years prior to the demise of hostess.

I would give them to the corpulent co workers who voted against unionization last year. I'm fairly thin. It's probably because I don't eat a lot of junk food. But hey, sometimes I am not so virtuous.

And, there is indeed no fallacy to my statement: "I do believe that is the choice of the actual workers." Because in any labor movement it is indeed the workers who are given the opportunity to vote. And, while there is a real fear of being fired for trying to unionize, it is more likely that people will not unionize because of ignorance. But the reality is: It is the choice of the workers.

There is no unionization if the workers do not choose it.

My point is:

Mr. Metropoulos does not get to choose for the workers. he can influence the workers through dastardly union busting techniques. He can intimidate the workers. He can even break the law. But the ultimate reality is that, The Workers must be the ones who choose to unionize.

ya know?

[putitinD]

5. no more twinkies for me

[Fawke Em]

15. Make your own.

It's probably healthier in that it has fewer preservatives:

Cake:

4 eggs

1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled to lukewarm

1 cup water

1 (5.1 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix


Filling:

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature

5 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 10x15 inch jelly roll pans.

Beat the eggs until combined; stir in the melted butter. Add the water, pudding mix, and yellow cake mix, stirring well to combine. The batter will be very thick. Divide the batter between the prepared pans, spreading it evenly.

Bake until the cakes spring back when pressed lightly with a finger or a tester comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks.

To make the filling, combine the room-temperature butter, cream cheese, and confectioners' sugar. Beat until smooth. Stir in the whipped topping and vanilla extract.

When the cakes are cool, spread the filling mixture on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top of the first, and cut into bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in the freezer.