Bakers' Industrial Action In The US

EDM number 743 in 2012-13, proposed by John McDonnell on 20/11/2012.
Categorised under the topics of Industrial relations and North America.

That this House supports the industrial action taken by members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) against Hostess Brands, one of the largest industrial bakers in the US, in response to that company's unilateral imposition of outrageous wage and benefits cuts which 92 per cent of BCTGM's members at Hostess rejected in September 2012; notes that nationwide action began on 9 November 2012, with strikes hitting five plants and that since then, the strike has extended to a total of 12 plants across the US; further notes that workers at 13 other Hostess locations, who may not legally go on strike, are honouring picket lines established by striking local unions; recognises that since 2004, BCTGM members have taken dramatic wage and benefit concessions demanded by the company's private equity and hedge fund owners, with the promise of fresh investments and a focus on product development; deeply regrets that, instead, 21 Hostess plants were shut down with thousands of jobs lost, and that the new owners have left ageing assets to deteriorate further and have pumped revenue out of the company, allowing its debt to grow; and therefore calls for active intervention from both US and UK governments to protect jobs, pay and conditions in the industry from further asset stripping.

This motion has been signed by a total of 11 MPs.