Bigfoot moves to bust union

Bigfoot Beverages has withdrawn recognition of Teamsters Local 324 and Local 206, even as members continue striking.

Eric Forrest and Andy Moore, co-presidents of the beverage distribution company, notified workers Nov. 26 that they no longer recognize either Teamsters local. In a letter to employees, Forrest and Moore said they received a petition from a majority of the bargaining unit showing that they no longer wish to be represented by the union. As a result, they wrote, the collective bargaining agreement has been terminated, the company will stop contributing to the pension fund, and all bargaining with the union will cease.

But Teamsters members said in a press statement that the workers who supported decertification were temporary workers brought in to replace strikers.

The Teamsters filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board in response to Bigfoot’s attempt to withdraw union recognition.

More than 200 Teamsters have been on strike at Bigfoot Beverages locations in Oregon since Sept. 19, after members rejected a company proposal to replace their pension with a 401(k). The company distributes craft beer, wine, soft drinks, and other beverages in Central Oregon, the Southern Willamette Valley, and the Oregon Coast. 

According to the union member press statement, Bigfoot has threatened to fire workers, offered bribes, and falsely claimed the Teamsters wouldn’t let members vote on a recent contract offer.