NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Hostess Brands -- the maker of such iconic
baked goods as Twinkies, Drake's Devil Dogs and Wonder Bread --
announced Friday that it is asking a federal bankruptcy court for
permission to close its operations, blaming a strike by bakers
protesting a new contract imposed on them.
Hostess' nearly 18,500 workers will
lose their jobs as the company shuts 33 bakeries and 565 distribution
centers nationwide, as well as 570 outlet stores. The Bakery,
Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union
represents about 5,000 Hostess employees.
