The 1959 strike by Teamsters threatened to halt production and distribution of Tillamook Cheese. In response, dairy farmers cleaned up after their morning milkings and became Tillamook County Creamery Association’s truck drivers and factory workers, then rushed back to their farms to do a few chores and the evening milkings. Teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa was following the dispute. The strike, which lasted 69 days, was settled after Gov. Mark Hatfield got involved.
The text reads:
TILLAMOOK COUNTY CREAMERY ASSOCIATION IS ON STRIKE
What Are The Facts?
- Tillamook County Creamery Association Grade A milk handlers have not had a wage increase for over two years;
- Tillamook County Creamery Association’s wages for Grade A milk handlers are the lowest in the state;
- Tillamook County Creamery Association employees went on strike only after waiting for over a year for a wage increase;
- Tillamook County Creamery Association has repeatedly refused to meet with the union and the federal Mediation and Conciliation Service;
- Tillamook County Creamery Association is operating with non-union help and strike breakers.
Help Your Tillamook County Neighbors to Receive Wages Equal to Those Paid by The Rest of The State
DO NOT PURCHASE TILLAMOOK CHEESE OR TILLAMOOK COUNTY CREAMERY ASSOCIATION MILK OR DAIRY PRODUCTS
Teamsters Local Union No. 569
Photo credit: Tillamook County Pioneer Museum
Other strike-related information:
