"We're committed," says Kevin Jacobson. "We're going to stay out here as long as it takes to do whatever we need to do."

Jacobson was one of 20 members of Teamsters Local 120 who voted April 11 to strike Rum River Lumber in a dispute over maintaining pension benefits.

The family-owned lumber yard, located near Highway 10 and Foley Boulevard, hired a replacement workforce soon after the strike began. Eight months later, the strike continues.

Two union members have crossed the picket line to return to work, while many others have moved on to jobs elsewhere, leaving five of the original striking members on the picket line.

The remaining strikers say their presence is harming Rum River's business.

"In the 14 years I've been here, this company has done nothing but grow. This year I didn't see it," said Lee Cowan, "This year has been the slowest."

Owner Brian Berglin bought Rum River Lumber in 1988. Teamsters members say the business had been a union shop for about 30 years.

They say Berglin miscalculated when he refused to offer an acceptable contract this past spring. "He figured he'd run the union out and in three to four weeks it would be over with," said Kent Lindert, a 18-year employee. "He never figured we'd take a stand."

"You know what the most amazing thing is?" said another 18-year employee, Dave Reed. "For 18 years Kent and I tried to make him money. Now we're taking it away."

The remaining strikers are receiving strike benefits of $684 per week.

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