They’re saccharine, cheap, mass-produced and well-preserved. What could be more American than the Twinkie? What could signify bitter economic times better than the sugary treat’s demise?
Sentiments like these echoed nationwide last November, when Hostess announced it would take Twinkies — as well as Sno Balls, Ding Dongs, CupCakes, Wonder bread and Donettes — off market shelves. And on Monday, when a newly structured Hostess reintroduced the cream-filled snack, many Americans regained some optimism about their nation’s chances of fiscal recovery. Others are just happy to savor a national favorite once again.
But the return of Twinkies hardly seems sweet for America’s labor supporters. The Kansas City-based baked goods manufacturer — which equity firms C. Dean Metropoulos & Co. purchased in February for $410 million — has left its Irving headquarters for Kansas City, closed seven of its 11 factories, outsourced product distribution and cut ties with unions. And following the sale of Wonder bread to Flowers Foods and that of Drake’s to McKee Foods, the Hostess product line has shrunk, thus further slicing the need for workers.
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