Deadline passes, Hostess workers picket

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The ovens could soon be cooled at Hostess bakeries across the country, including those here in Indiana.

The company imposed a 5 p.m. deadline for striking workers to get back to work, or the company would liquidate.

The deadline came and went, and workers did not return.

24-Hour News 8 learned Thursday, the company could make an official announcement as soon as tomorrow morning.

Workers at Hostess in Indianapolis made themselves at home outside the plant Thursday, determined to maintain their stance.

“There's no way a person can survive off those wages with high cost of insurance. It's about wages, pension, and insurance,” said Hostess worker John Smith.

Smith has been with the company 22 years, and says he's not happy with the company's latest contract offer. He’s been standing outside with the other workers since Nov. 9.

Another worker who didn’t want to give his name told us he’d prefer the company liquidate, saying, “I think it'd be the best for another company to come in, and negotiate a contract, so then we can keep making pies and sweets and keep everybody happy.”

Union leaders outside the plant said the workers would stay until they hear a decision from the company.

Hostess has said operations could be shut down by next week if they're forced to file for bankruptcy.

The company filed for Chapter 11 protection in January.