OMG if there was ever a failure of management, this is one. They had SIX CEO's in the last eight years. The unions have been PLEADING to modernize their operations and management did not care, because the goal of the private equity is to liquidate the business. On top of that the company was not paying its pension contributions as of around 2011. The union has been negotiating ever since, only striking this month.

Was the union out of line? 92% of the membership voted to strike. That's about as close to unanimous as I have ever seen out of 20,000+ people.

As for the ownership, they were idiots for not taking the Grupo Bimbo offer in 2004. Sucks for them but they had it coming.

If there was ever an example of failed executive leadership, this is it.

Bet they all walked out with a huge check!

OMG if there was ever a failure of management, this is one. They had SIX CEO's in the last eight years. The unions have been PLEADING to modernize their operations and management did not care, because the goal of the private equity is to liquidate the business. On top of that the company was not paying its pension contributions as of around 2011. The union has been negotiating ever since, only striking this month.

Was the union out of line? 92% of the membership voted to strike. That's about as close to unanimous as I have ever seen out of 20,000+ people.

As for the ownership, they were idiots for not taking the Grupo Bimbo offer in 2004. Sucks for them but they had it coming.

If there was ever an example of failed executive leadership, this is it.

If a company like Hostess cannot make it in the fattest nation on Earth, then I think their management is doing something wrong. Just sayin.

PS-- TastyKakes are better, anyway.

Agree with 13:08. Have you ever put a SnoBall in the microwave? It's a rather amazing experience. The Snowball survived but the paper plate caught on fire. I suspect it is healthier to eat the paper plate than the SnoBall.

I'm not advocating eating them every day or anything, but Twinkies are great as occasional treats to myself. As far as junk food goes, they are far from the worst things out there. In fact, I've gotten a craving for them after reading all of the news articles this morning and may have to try to find some today. In this case, it looks like the Baker's Union did indeed shoot themselves in the foot. The Teamsters accepted the concessions after they realized it was make less or make nothing, and they encouraged the other unions to accept the deal as well. I do think unions have gone far beyond their intended purpose in many cases. I'm all for unions negotiating equal treatment, improved working conditions, and other job factors, but compensation should be driven by market conditions, not union votes. At some point, they will have to learn that the long-term survival of the company is more important than wringing every last possible cent for themselves.

Who even buys that garbage anymore; the same people who drink Mountain Dew all day and have never seen a dentist.

Management sucked and the product outlived any appeal. The union may not be blameless, but management shouldn't get a free pass here.

Anonymous wrote:I should go stock up on Ding-Dongs and SnoBalls now!

just ask your husband and your guy friends.

I should go stock up on Ding-Dongs and SnoBalls now!

I hate unions even though I'm part of one. I understand their usefulness to a degree and appreciate some of what they help us with. But I've worked in both unionized and non-unionized hospitals and have found they do more damage than good.

I'm sure other people have had positive experiences, but my negative ones have left a sour taste in my mouth that I can't get rid of.

No, Twinkies™ have officially outlived their usefulness as a food-like substance. No one cares if people make them or not. The brand died and now people have lost their jobs. Maybe it'll be bought and re-branded All Natural Twinkies!

Companies like Hostess and Sara Lee have outlived their usefulness.

Unions have officially outlived their usefulness.

How does the union justify bringing Hostess to its knees? Now 18,000 more people will be out of work. Has the union helped here?