Biddeford Hostess Plant Part of National Strike

Biddeford, Maine's hostess plant is part of the nationwide strike by it's bakers union. The strike has lead to three permanent closings of it's bakeries. The closures in Seattle, St.Louis and Cincinnati will result in the loss of 627 jobs.

Production of Hostess iconic products like Twinkies, Wonder Bread and Ding Dongs are not expected to be significantly slowed by the strike. Members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union have been on strike since November 9th, including the workers at the Biddeford plant. Hostess and the Union Members are far apart on wages, healthcare benefits and pension plans.

Hostess had filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2012, the second time it has done so since 2004.

I remember stopping by the Hostess Bakery Outlet store on Minot Avenue in Auburn with my family when I was younger. We'd stock up on bread, apple pies and those wicked good snack cakes. I hope the strike ends and this American company can continue to thrive, so many more generations can experience the awesomeness of Twinkies, Suzy Q's, Hostess Pies and Ding Dongs!