(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has reached a five-year tentative agreement that significantly raises pay, improves health care and retirement benefits, and provides critical job security for all 5,000 Teamsters at Anheuser-Busch Breweries nationwide.

The agreement has been unanimously recommended by the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee after reconvening at the bargaining table with Anheuser-Busch representatives on Wednesday (February 28th).

Highlights of the agreement include: Significant job security for all 5,000 Teamsters at Anheuser-Busch, including Brewers, Packagers and Warehouse Workers; Wage increases of $8-an-hour, including an immediate $4-an-hour raise in the first year - average wage increases total 23% over the length of the agreement; A $2,500 Ratification Bonus for every Member; An end to two-tier health care, providing all Workers with the same high-quality Teamsters health care coverage; Increased pension contributions and benefits nationwide; Increased maximum vacation accrual to eight paid weeks; and Restoration of retirement benefits for Active and Retired Members.

Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said: “Teamsters make the beer, Teamsters make Anheuser-Busch successful and our Members deserve the best contract.  That is what we fought for and won.  Anheuser-Busch knew our Members were serious and prepared to do whatever it would take to get a fair agreement.  After a long day and a longer campaign, we’ve reached an agreement that sets a new high standard for the Brewing Industry.  Teamsters continue to hold the line at Molson Coors in Texas for a fair contract, but Molson Coors should pay close attention to the bar we’ve set for Brewery Workers across the country.”

A ratification vote is expected to occur next week.

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

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: Teamsters Reach Major New Agreement With Anheuser-Busch, Boosting Wages, Protecting Jobs - International Brotherhood of Teamsters