Anheuser-Busch, Teamsters reach labor agreement that avoids US strike
Budweiser brewer Anheuser-Busch has reached a contract agreement with the Teamsters union that avoids a strike at its U.S. plants
Budweiser brewer Anheuser-Busch has reached a contract agreement with the Teamsters union that avoids a strike at its U.S. plants.
The union had threatened a strike at the brewer’s 12 U.S. plants if an agreement on a new five-year contract wasn’t reached by 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday. The Teamsters union represents 5,000 Anheuser-Busch workers who brew and package beer and even take care of the company’s legendary Clydesdale horses.
But the two sides said late Wednesday they had reached a tentative agreement that boosts wages and increases vacation days and pension contributions.
“Teamsters make the beer, Teamsters make Anheuser-Busch successful and our members deserve the best contract. That is what we fought for and won today,” Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said in a statement.
Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth said the contract also makes significant job security commitments.
«Our people are our greatest strength, and we are incredibly pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that continues to recognize the talent, dedication, and hard work of our teams, while also positioning the company for long-term success,” Whitworth said in a statement.
The union said the full tentative agreement will be shared with workers prior to a ratification vote, which is expected to happen next week.
The strike would have been the first in the U.S. against Anheuser-Busch since 1976.
The union said earlier this month it was angered by a company proposal that would close breweries and lay off workers.
But Anheuser-Busch is facing declining beer sales in the U.S., where drinkers are
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