Job cuts OK, not pay: Twinkies bakers

Following a summer and autumn spent in labor negotiations trying to find a common path to reorganization, Hostess' management gained concessions from some unions, including the Teamsters.The fear of thousands of job losses, for its own members and other unions, led the Teamsters to plead with the BCTGM t o hold a secret ballot to determine if bakery workers really wanted to continue with the strike, even with the th r eat of closure.

Teamsters officials complained that bakery union leaders did "not substantively look for a solution or engage in the process," and complained that the BCTGM called for its strike on Nov. 9 without first notifying the Teamsters.

They said that, unlike the bakery union, the Teamsters voted to "protect all jobs at Hostess." Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall said Wednesday's court approval for liquidation marked "a sad day for thousands of families affected by the closing of this company."Bakery union President Frank Hurt has said that any labor agreements would only be temporary as Hostess was doomed anyway.

The union said new owners were needed to get Hostess back on track and the only way they would return to work was if Hostess rescinded its wage and benefit cuts."Our membership ... just had no confidence in this management group being able to run a business," said Conrad Boos, a BCTGM local business representative in Missouri.

Hurt was not immediately available to comment on

... contd.