Union drivers call for boycott

Orange, Conn (WTNH) - Some local establishments are getting behind a group of beer distributor workers in Orange that are fighting to save their jobs.

Union members are trying to draw support for their cause. They are also calling for a Budweiser boycott at establishments throughout the area.

The teamsters continue to man the picket lines outside of the Dichello Distributors in Orange. The lockout has reached four weeks, and to combat the company's hiring of new employees, the union has asked clients to stop serving Budweiser products, understanding that is a difficult favor to collect.

"Quite honestly, people need to do what they need to do to keep their business going," union member Paul Chvisuk said.

Chvisuk's statement is quite accurate. The request has been met with a mixed response.

Some establishments are feeling loyal to the workers, many of whom frequent the clients they serve. Others, like Jim Hassenmayer, Owner of the Orange Ale House, feel caught in the middle, tugged by familiar and friendly sides.

"It's like a divorce. You try not to get in the middle. There are good people on both sides of the fence, and you try to remain neutral," Hassenmayer said. When asked if this situation has affected his business, Hassenmayer responded, "No, because we won't let it affect our business. We have 40 families that we have to provide for."

At the beginning of the dispute, some clients who were still making orders, had a hard time receiving their product, but they say the kinks have been worked out, and the Dichello Distributor has re-organized with new employees, leaving those union members on the outside, grasping at new ideas.

"I believe that we can last. If we get unemployment, that will ease our money situation," union member Cliff Oakes said.

The union members say they will be out here on the lines through tonight, and every night until the distributor gives them back what they believe is rightfully theirs.