Maker of Peeps sues union over strike

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — The Pennsylvania company that makes marshmallow Peeps as well as Mike and Ike candies has filed a federal lawsuit claiming a workers’ strike is illegal.

Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 6 workers walked off the job Sept. 7.

The lawsuit filed by Just Born Quality Confections says that violates a no-strike provision of a contract that expired June 18. The company says the no-strike clause was still in effect until Sept. 18 under a contract extension.

Ron Baker with the union says the lawsuit is frivolous and that the no-strike agreement expired with the contract.

The company says the strike was timed to hurt production of Peeps, which are made in the fall for the following Easter.