Bigfoot Beverages employees hit the picket line, strike against proposed retirement plans
EUGENE, Ore. — Members of Teamsters Local 324 and 206 hit the picket lines against Bigfoot Beverages in the early morning hours of September 19.
According to the local Teamsters leadership, the primary issue in labor negotiations has been the workers’ retirement benefits. Workers on the picket line said Bigfoot Beverages continues to propose a “riskier, more costly 401(k) plan that would force workers to move from a defined-pension plan they have with the Union.”
However, in a press release, a representative for Bigfoot Beverages said the proposed 401(k) retirement plan is “significantly better, more transparent and portable for team members.”
Bigfoot Beverages said the Teamsters local leadership did not allow their members to vote on their most recent offer and instead moved to a strike. But Secretary-Treasurer for Teamsters Local 206, Geoff Stewart, said all members voted back in August of 2024 to authorize a strike should the company continue to propose the unwanted 401(k) plan by September 19.
The picket line in front of the Bigfoot Beverages’ Eugene location consisted of dozens of workers, and included truck drivers, warehouse workers, and workers in the vending, merchandise and sales departments.
Akio Gillespie is a truck driver on the picket line who said they are looking out for their future retirement.
“The message we’re trying to send is we want fair treatment from the company. Especially when it comes to retirement plan,” he said. “A lot of us will be affected by that, especially for our long term future.”
Josh Cornilsen is also a driver. He said the proposed retirement plan will take young workers backwards.
“They want to go with a retirement plan that will put a lot of us guys behind. Take us a lot longer to retire,” he said.
Paddy Butler is a Teamster member and although he does not work for Bigfoot Beverages, he joined the picket line in solidarity. He said any time a pension is threatened, it affects workers in the long-term.
“It’s gonna hurt. The average person here in Eugene is not making an affordable wage,” he said. “And they need the retirement. So for a company to pull that… it’s like where do I go? What company do I go to for the longevity?”
Bigfoot Beverage’s full statement and proposals can be found on their website