Tulsa bakery workers on strike over pay cuts
BY KYLE ARNOLD World Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Workers at Tulsa’s Hostess and Wonder Bread bakery are striking this week after the company announced bankruptcy reorganization plans that include pay cuts for employees.
Dozens of members of the local Bakery Confectionary Tobacco Grain Millers Union walked out of the Tulsa factory Saturday after the reorganization plan was announced. Union workers rejected the proposed contract in September that includes an 8 percent pay decrease.
The factory has about 160 employees, but the plant is still operating and 10 union members have crossed the picket line, said Hostess spokesman Lance Ignon.
The picket lines are taking place at a growing number of bakeries nationwide over
Hostess proposed the eight percent pay cut for employees after losing more than $340 million last year.
“We recognize that these concessions are difficult, but they are necessary for the company to survive,” Ignon said.
