Teamsters Ratify National Contract With Anheuser-Busch

Teamsters Ratify National Contract With Anheuser-Busch

Contract Covers 7,500 Teamsters at 12 U.S. Breweries

December 2, 2003

(Washington, D.C.) - Teamsters at Anheuser-Busch (A-B) have ratified a new five-year contract and all accompanying supplements. The Teamsters Union represents approximately 7,500 workers at 12 A-B breweries across the United States under one national master agreement. The ratification comes well ahead of the expiration of the current contract on February 29, 2004. The contract was ratified by a 90 percent margin.

"This strong vote for ratification shows that A-B Teamsters are united again," said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. "This historic contract is proof positive of what our members can achieve when we work together."

Highlights of the five-year offer include:

• Maintenance of health care benefits;
• Pension increases of 14 percent for defined benefit plans;
• Wage increases of $ .65, .60, .60, .60 and .55 per hour over the term of the agreement;
• $1,000 ratification bonus; and
• An agreement with the company not to close any of the 12 breweries during the term of the contract.

In addition to the $1000 ratification bonus, all wage and pension increases will take effect immediately.

"This contract directly reflects our members contributions at A-B," said Jack Cipriani, Director of the Teamsters Soft Drink and Brewery Conference and International Vice President. "We will use this contract to build on our improving relationship with management.

Founded in August 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is celebrating 100 years as an advocate and representative of working families.