BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania candy maker that manufactures marshmallow Peeps has started hiring workers to replace nearly 400 union members who walked off the job this week.
A vice president at Just Born in Bethlehem says the hires are to help meet customer demand.
Matt Pye says the company has sufficient Peeps for Halloween and Christmas, but they're concerned about Easter.
The (Allentown) Morning Call reports the company warned striking workers they could be permanently replaced.
The plant about 60 miles north of Philadelphia also makes Mike and Ike and Hot Tamales.
On Friday, striking workers walked the picket line for a third day to chants of "No pension, no Peeps!" and "No money, no Mikes!"
They're protesting the company's proposals on wages, health benefits and switching from a pension plan to a 401(k).