WATERLOO (KWWL) -
Hostess Brands permanently shut down three plants in the United States after the workers' union went on strike Friday.
Plants in Seattle, St. Louis and Cincinnati were shut down Monday, laying off a total of 627 workers in the three plants.
"We deeply regret this decision, but we have repeatedly explained that
we will close facilities that are no longer able to produce and deliver
products because of a work stoppage – and that we will close the entire
company if widespread strikes cripple our business," said Hostess Brands CEO Gregory F. Rayburn in a statement released Monday.
Waterloo Hostess workers were not on strike as of Monday afternoon.
The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union (BCTGM) said the strike was in response to cuts of 27 to 32 percent overall, with an 8 percent reduction in wages that would go into effect immediately.
"Hostess Brands is making a mockery of the labor relations system that has been in place for nearly 100 years," said BCTGM International President Frank Hurt in a statement. "Our members are not just striking for themselves, but for all unionized workers across North America who are covered by collective bargaining agreements."
BCTGM said more plants may strike or honor the strike in the coming days.
