Hostess' (makers of Twinkies and Wonder Bread) Teamsters members may strike -union

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/13/hostess-teamsters-idUSL2E8DDGLC20120213

Mon Feb 13, 2012 4:53pm EST

* Union votes to authorize strike pending court ruling

* May strike if court OKs Hostess' "unfair" labor proposals

* Hostess in Chap. 11 bankruptcy, burdened by labor costs

By Nick Brown

Feb 13 (Reuters) - About 7,500 union workers at Hostess Brands Inc, the makers of Twinkies and Wonder Bread, may strike if a U.S. bankruptcy judge grants the company's bid to slash commitments to union employees, the Teamsters Union said on Monday.

The Teamsters said in a statement its members voted by a margin of 9-to-1 to authorize the strike if Hostess' "unfair" proposal is granted by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain in White Plains, New York.

A Hostess Brands spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment.

Hostess submitted the request on Jan. 25, two weeks after filing its second bankruptcy since 2004. The company said a successful reorganization will require it to withdraw from multiemployer pension plans, bring down its cost of long-term worker benefits, and alter the terms of its collective bargaining agreements.

FULL story at link.