Front-of-house employees at the popular Crux Fermentation Project brewery in Bend are seeking to unionize.
The Crux Front of the House Employees Union filed a petition for union representation April 18 with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The group is not affiliated with any existing labor union. The proposed bargaining unit would include 13 workers at the taphouse on Southwest Division Street in Bend. An election has not yet been scheduled.
Crux was founded in 2012 by former Deschutes Brewery brewmaster Larry Sidor. Besides serving at the tasting room, the company distributes its beers throughout Oregon and Washington and in parts of Idaho and California.
“We’re excitedly looking forward to our election,” a union spokesperson said in a written statement. “Once certified, it’s our hope that Crux will begin to take the input and concerns of our employees who directly contribute to the guest experience more seriously. We view this as an opportunity for all parties. It’s our hope that as we go into negotiations, Crux will meet us in a spirit of collaboration.”
NLRB records show Crux has retained noted anti-union law firm Fisher Phillips.
