More than 60 members of the Teamsters Local 229 at Bazooka in Moosic voted to strike after the candy company and union failed to reach a contract, according to a news release.
Improved wages and affordable health care are primary sticking points, according to the union. Negotiations began in October 2025 and have dragged on for months.
“Our members have spent decades building this company and making its products a success,” said Joe Secor, business agent for Local 229, in the release. “Some workers have devoted more than 50 years of their lives to this facility. After nearly seven months of negotiations, Bazooka continues to drag its feet instead of offering a fair contract that recognizes their hard work and dedication.”
Teamsters at the Bazooka facility perform critical work across production, maintenance, shipping, packaging, and quality control operations that keep production running and products moving nationwide, according to the release.
The plant is the only facility in the United States that manufactures Ring Pops, one of the company’s most popular and recognizable candy brands.
“We take pride in the work we do every day and in the product that comes out of this facility,” said Rick Walker, a cook at Bazooka and 18-year member of Local 229. “This vote sends a clear message that we are standing together and deserve a fair contract. We have been patient throughout this process, but enough is enough.”