Teamsters Break Off Negotiations With Interstate Bakeries (Twinkies) Corporation (10,000 workers)

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Cite Management Intransigence, Close-Minded Approach CHICAGO, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa and Bakery Conference Director Richard Volpe announced today that Teamsters negotiators have broken off talks with Interstate Bakeries Corporation (IBC) due to the company's intransigent positions and refusal to discuss alternate options available to the company as it struggles to emerge from bankruptcy proceedings. The Teamsters represent more than 10,000 men and women at IBC who are covered by nearly 300 separate collective bargaining agreements.

"The Teamsters entered negotiations this week with an open mind," Volpe said. "We fully understand the company's financial and competitive position. In fact, our members have negotiated and agreed to sacrifices that resulted in more than $16 million in annual savings to the company. Not only does the company refuse to recognize those contributions, the company continues to exclude viable investment partners that could result in its emergence from bankruptcy."

Prior to entering the current round of negotiations, IBC announced the closing of its southern California operations that would put 1,300 union members out of work, including 800 Teamsters. Despite never indicating to the Teamsters or BCTGM of its intention to close the bulk of its southern California operations, IBC management is now demanding that workers agree to significant concessions or face additional closings. This approach will only result in the further devaluation of the company during this tenuous period.

"We refuse to negotiate with a gun to our heads," Hoffa said. "Our members will take the necessary actions to show the company that they are prepared to stand and fight for their livelihoods."

FULL story at link.