Union accuses gummi bear maker of disrupting unionizing push

HOBART, Ind. (AP) - A union is accusing an Indiana-based maker of gummi bears and other candies of disrupting its efforts to organizer the factory's workers.

The Local 881 United Food and Commercial Workers alleges in a complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board that the Albanese Confectionery cracked down on production workers who were organizing at the Hobart, Indiana, candy factory.

The Des Plaines, Illinois-based union says the company fired at least 15 workers who tried to start a union.

Albanese Confectionary disputes the union's version of events. Director of Operations Bethany Albanese says the company "will vigorously defend against these charges" before the National Labor Relations Board.

The (Northwest Indiana) Times reports that the Albanese Confectionary currently employs about 400 workers and is a tourist destination that offers behind-the-scenes factory tours.

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Information from: The Times, http://www.nwitimes.com