Teamsters Strike Against Bigfoot Beverages Amid Pension Dispute

The Facts -

  • Teamsters Local 324 vows to strike amid pension and health care disputes.
  • Bigfoot refuses to bargain, citing baseless claims against union recognition.
  • Supporters urged to boycott Bigfoot until the strike is resolved.


Teamsters Stand Firm as Bigfoot Beverages Strike Intensifies

Hollyfield and Zachary Cooke

Contact: Matt McQuaid Phone: (202) 624-6877 Email: mmcquaid@teamster.org

(EUGENE, Ore.) – As the expiration date for their health care benefits looms, members of Teamsters Local 324 remain committed to their picket lines in a prolonged disagreement with Bigfoot Beverages. This labor strike began three months ago, following the company's attempt to diminish the workers’ pensions.

Mark Davison, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and Teamsters Joint Council 37 President, expressed his disapproval, stating, “For a company to try to force its workers to give up their pensions is bad enough, but to take away their health care right before the holidays is beyond heartless.” He emphasized, “Unfortunately for Bigfoot, the Teamsters don’t give up — whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, or any other day on the calendar.”

Chris Muhs, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 324, reinforced the resolve of the workers, saying, “This company may have forced us to the picket lines, but we’re going to stay here for as long as we have to. This company will not run out the clock on us no matter how hard it tries. The longer this takes, the more Bigfoot has to lose, not us.”

In recent developments, the Teamsters have filed additional unfair labor practice (ULP) charges against Bigfoot. The company has been accused of non-compliance with information requests and has rejected invitations to resume negotiations. Bigfoot maintains that it can withdraw recognition of the Teamsters as the legitimate representative of the workers, a notion the Teamsters contest. Despite appeals from political figures such as Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, Bigfoot has not adjusted its stance.

Brayden Pinney, a striking member of Local 324, voiced frustration over the company's actions. “Our employer’s refusal to recognize the right of our union to exist is shameful and quite frankly embarrassing for them,” he stated. Pinney added, “Their strategy is backfiring. Every time this company treats us like we’re beneath them, that gives workers more fuel to keep fighting. We are the reason Bigfoot makes money, and we demand to be treated with the respect that we deserve.”

Supporters of the Bigfoot Teamsters can join the protest by pledging to avoid purchasing any products distributed by the company until the strike concludes and workers are respected. The pledge can be signed at ibt.io/boycottbigfoot.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, advocates for 1.3 million diligent employees across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For additional details, visit Teamster.org. Stay informed by following them on Twitter @Teamsters and liking their Facebook page at Facebook.com/teamsters.

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