Bigfoot Beverages, Teamsters leaders respond to strike on second day
EUGENE, Ore. – Bigfoot Beverages and local Teamsters leaders are sharing their thoughts the Teamsters’ strike against the company is in full swing.
Geoff Stewart, a Local 206 Secretary-Treasurer said more than 200 union members who work for Bigfoot Beverages had their backs against the wall and had no choice but to strike against a proposed 401-k retirement plan that would replace their pension.
“We took a strike authorization vote on august 15 letting members know if company had no moved off this proposal they take strike action,” he said.
In a press release, Bigfoot Beverages said the union did not allow members to vote on their final contract proposal and are disappointed they moved to strike. But Stewart said the strike was bound to happen.
“Members did not vote on it but they also voted on August 15 to strike if the company did not make movement and restore pension,” he said.
Stewart compared the 401(k) plan to a pot for money that would run out, compared to the Union’s pension he said has “benefits for life” and “resistance” to the ups-and-downs of the economy.
But Bigfoot Beverages said in a statement on September 20, “The proposed 401(k) is portable (team members can take it with them to any employer), there is a 9% employer contribution, it is accessible after 90 days (pension not accessible until 5 years of employment) and transparent (team members can see their investments and make their own investment decisions).”
Stewart said the company was difficult during mediation.
“Last Friday we met with a federal mediator and a lot of times in federal meditation we work with ‘what-ifs.’ The company had no desire to work with what-if scenarios,” he said. “And they felt very deep on getting out of the pension and into that 401k.”
Bigfoot Beverages said they also offered union members “generous offer” including a $2,500 per employee ratification bonus.
“Despite this refusal, we intend to maintain our role as an important supplier of quality products and a strong community partner through this time,” Bigfoot Beverages said.
In response to what they had to say to their customers, they said there may be some service interruptions in the short term but they’re committed to ensuring returning to normal service level soon.
Some Pepsi trucks could be seen leaving the Eugene facilities on Friday morning as union members with picket signs watched on.
In terms of how long the strike is expected to last, Stewart said it depends on Bigfoot Beverages’ willingness to bring back the pension.
“I have no idea how long this strike is going to last. Honestly for all parties involved, for members and the company, I hope we can get back to the table and get pension as swiftly as we can,” he said. “For the customers, it was never our goal to disrupt any type of service. But when our backs are against the wall we have no choice but to take this type of action. Hopefully they can come to their senses soon, and meet with us and restore the pension.”