I thought it article was intriguing for a few reasons. The
first was that it highlighted an important method of Alternative Dispute
Resolution, or otherwise known as ADR. In class we learned about how ADR can be
less costly and stressful to the parties at play. This article is about the
Twinkies company, and how they are resorting to Mediation in order to find some
resolution within this dispute. Some basic
facts on this issue is: Bakery Workers
union, which currently represents 5,000 workers, went on strike. A few days later management shutdown Hostess
and appeared before U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain in order to liquidate.
Drain thought it would be of Twinkies best interest to try
one last time to reach an agreement, and he is willing to serve as the
mediator. These mediations would be very pertinent to this company because if the
company permanently shuts down, 18,500 people will be out of work, which would
be an extreme detriment to the United States economy. This action by a Judge is
very notable because of his consideration to attempt to save this company.
Although both the Hostess lawyers, and the union lawyers are entering into this
mediation, they are all a bit doubtful of the outcome.
