Scores of former Hostess employees stand two abreast waiting to do something many have not done in more than two decades — interview for a new job.
The Utah Department of Workforce Services organized the event exclusively for former Hostess workers displaced earlier this month.
The renown snack cake maker shuttered 33 bakeries, 565 distribution centers and 570 outlet stores nationwide, laying off 18,500 employees — including about 600 people in northern Utah.
The move followed a very public and contentious battle between management and members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union who went on strike when Hostess officials said they could no longer pay the full pension benefits.
Nearly 30 companies participated in the job fair, including Lofthouse, Kroeger, Kellogg's, FedEx, CSM Bakery, U.S. Food Service and Harmons.
“We've got jobs available and (want) to support the Hostess employees who have been displaced right before Christmas,” said Harmons spokesman Max Allen. “We have full-service bakeries in all of our stores. We're always looking for bakers and salespeople.” Deseret News
