(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Teamsters working nationwide at Anheuser-Busch have voted by an overwhelming 99% to authorize a Strike, a resounding vote allows the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee to call a Strike if Anheuser-Busch fails to come to terms on a new contract.

The Union is seeking an agreement that improves wages, protects jobs and secures health care and retirement benefits for 5,000 Teamsters across the company’s 12 U.S. breweries.

The current agreement expires on February 29th, 2024.

Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said: “Teamsters stand firm in our fight for the best contract at Anheuser-Busch and this powerful Strike Vote proves it.  Our Members’ labor, talent and sacrifice are what put Anheuser-Busch products on the shelf, and we are committed to getting a contract that rewards and recognizes their hard work.  If Anheuser-Busch’s executives can’t get their act together to negotiate an agreement that respects Workers, we will see them out on the streets.”

Under pressure from the Teamsters, the company reached tentative agreements to end tiered health care and restore retiree health benefits last month.

However, Anheuser-Busch has delayed negotiating on important job security issues since mid-November, despite repeated requests by the Union.

The Global Beermaker pulled in $58 billion in 2022 and also recently announced $1 billion in stock buybacks to wealthy investors as it simultaneously ignores the need to protect good jobs, the Teamsters said.

Jeff Padellaro, who serves as Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery and Soft Drink Conference said: “Anheuser-Busch can’t kick this can down the road much longer.  The Teamsters don’t want to be forced onto the picket line at any employer, but we are fully prepared to walk if Anheuser-Busch doesn’t get serious about negotiating a record contract that also protects good Union jobs.  It is the Workers - the dedicated and tireless Members of the Teamsters - who make this company a success and who have earned to share in that success.” 

There are no dates currently set for negotiations.

Anheuser-Busch Teamsters recently rallied in New Hampshire, California, and Florida.

More actions will take place soon across the country, the Union said.

“If this company wasn’t willing to come to a fair agreement with the Teamsters, we would Strike. My Teamster Brothers and Sisters have a lot of fight in us and, by all means, we will stand united,” said Josh Blanton, an Anheuser-Bush Worker with Teamsters Local 947 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters represents 1.3 million Members in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: By 99%, Teamsters Authorize Strike at Anheuser-Busch - International Brotherhood of Teamsters