No More Twinkies? Hostess Shutting Down

If you have't heard by now, Hostess is calling it quits.

Media reports on the topic are all over the Internet, and the story is quickly becoming be the most-talked-about thing of the day.

If you go to the Hostess Brands website, the first thing that greets you is: "Hostess Brands is Closed." Yes, it is in bold.

"We are sorry to announce that Hostess Brands, Inc. has been forced by a Bakers Union strike to shut down all operations and sell all company assets," the company stated on its website. "Thank you for all of your loyalty and support over the years."

Earlier, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which allows for reorganization. But, then the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union -- one of the largest unions representing Hostess employees -- issued a work stoppage on Nov.  6, as reported in the media and in a company press release. 

On Nov. 12, Hostess Brands permanently closed three plants as a result of the work stoppage, according to the company. Two days later, "the company announced it would be forced to liquidate if sufficient employees did not return to work to restore normal operations by 5 p.m., EST p.m., Nov. 15," as stated in the press release.

Well, that didn't happen, and now 18,500 people are losing their jobs.

Need more detail, click here to read the Hostess Brands press release. It goes into more explanation.

What this means for you? Better head to your nearest grocery store, stock up on Twinkies -- and other tasty favorites by the company -- and hoard them in a back closest if you please.

The end of the world is on its way, according to those people who believe that the end of the Mayan calendar -- Dec. 21 -- means we will all be no more.

And, you don't want to be left without your Twinkies, Ding Dongs, and Ho Ho’s, do you?