Just Born, Maker of Candy 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 worker's strike is illegal.

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

The lawsuit filed Wednesday 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 remained in effect, however, under a contract extension until Sept. 18 that was agreed to while the sides continued negotiating.

Ron Baker, the union's strategic campaign coordinator, 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.