Teamsters union members, on strike against Bigfoot Beverage, extend picket lines to Bend distribution facility

(Update: Adding video, union comment)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- More than two weeks after more than 240 workers at Eugene-based Bigfoot Beverages went on strike in a dispute over pension benefits, two Teamsters union locals said they are seeking to escalate pressure on the company by extending picket lines to its distribution facility in Bend, starting Monday.

The added picketing, which started Monday morning, is the latest development in an unfair labor practice strike led by more than 240 members of Teamsters Locals 206 and Local 324. Teamsters at Bigfoot work as drivers, salespersons, service technicians, merchandisers, and vending and warehouse workers. Bigfoot distributes Pepsi products and craft beers such as Ninkasi, Fort George and Pelican Brewing. 

Union official Ben Vedus said on the Bend picket line, “They made a proposal to get out of our pension, which is fully funded, and replace it with a 401(K), which would cost the company about half of what the current contributions are. To do this to these members in their retirement is nothing but shameful.” 

In a Sunday statement announcing the Bend picketing, the union said, "Teamsters have been on strike at Bigfoot since Sept. 19, and the picket lines remain strong as these brave workers fight to maintain their fully funded pension plan and union protections."

Active picket lines are also operating around the clock at Bigfoot facilities in Eugene, Springfield, Newport, Roseburg and Coos Bay, they said.

"Since the strike began, there has been no movement toward a fair contract by company owners," the union said. "Bigfoot has illegally threatened striking workers with termination and permanent replacement. Teamsters will hold the line for the dignity and respect they deserve."

A union official said in a news release when the strike began that Bigfoot "is trying to destroy Teamsters pensions and replace it with a costlier, riskier 401(k) plan."

NewsChannel 21 has reached out to Bigfoot Beverages and has not received a response. But the company said in its own news release that it had tried to reach a compromise with the union, including a $2,500 ratification bonus, while the Teamsters would not allow members to vote on their proposal. They also pointed to the offer of 10 to 10% wage hikes and said the 401(k) plan would offer improved benefits compared to what the Teamsters provides now.

A spokesperson from Bigfoot Beverages told The Register-Guard that 240 of the 425 workers at the company are affected by the strike. So far, despite more than half of the company being on strike, Bigfoot has refused to come to the table to negotiate, the newspaper reported.