Teamsters Stand Strong Against Bigfoot Beverages Amid Health Care Threat

In Eugene, Oregon, members of Teamsters Local 324 are resolutely standing firm as they enter into the final countdown before their health care benefits are set to expire. The company, Bigfoot Beverages, has faced intense scrutiny and opposition from the union after initiating a strike that began three months ago. The crux of the issue lies in the company's efforts to reduce pensions drastically, prompting the unfair labor practice strike.

Mark Davison, the International Vice President of Teamsters Western Region and President of Teamsters Joint Council 37, expressed his outrage, emphasizing that the company’s attempts to strip away health care benefits just before the holidays are not only unacceptable but deeply heartless. Davison stated, “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.” This sentiment resonates with the workers, who have made it clear that their fight will continue regardless of the calendar.

Chris Muhs, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 324, reiterated the union's commitment to the cause. “This company may have forced us to the picket lines, but we're going to stay here for as long as we have to,” he said, highlighting that the stakes are high for Bigfoot and that the longer the situation remains unresolved, the more it has to lose.

In response to the ongoing turmoil, the Teamsters filed new unfair labor practice charges against Bigfoot for its refusal to provide requested information and for blocking negotiations. The company’s stance rests on a controversial claim that allows it to withdraw recognition of the Teamsters as workers' representatives. Despite government and local officials' pleas, including those from Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, Bigfoot has remained unyielding in its approach.

Brayden Pinney, another striking member of Local 324, condemned the company’s refusal to acknowledge the union's rights. He stated, “Our employer's refusal to recognize the right of our union to exist is shameful and quite frankly embarrassing for them.” Pinney believes that the company’s actions are counterproductive, galvanizing the workers’ resolve to continue their fight.

The union is also rallying support from the community, urging local residents and concerned citizens to stand in solidarity with the striking workers by signing a pledge at ibt.io/boycottbigfoot to refrain from purchasing any products from Bigfoot until the strike is resolved and workers are treated with dignity.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with its founding in 1903, represents a sizable contingent of 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. This situation highlights the ongoing battle between labor rights and corporate oversight, particularly in sectors where essential benefits like healthcare and pensions are at stake. As the clock ticks down towards the expiration of their health benefits, the members of Teamsters Local 324 remain undeterred, ready to fight for their rights and benefits with unwavering commitment.