The No. 1 U.S. brewer, Anheuser-Busch Inc., announced on December 02 its brewery workers represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters approved a new five-year labor contract. The new agreement runs through February 28, 2009. “This ratification means the continuation of superior health care benefits and job security for Anheuser-Busch Inc. employees” said August Busch IV, president of Anheuser-Busch Inc.

The new agreement improves upon the best compensation and benefits package in the industry, Anheuser-Busch reported. It protects health and welfare benefits for employees and their families and provides for substantial pension and wage increases. By ratifying early, the approximately 7,500 Anheuser-Busch employees covered by the contract will receive early wage and benefit increases and a $1,000 ratification bonus. The contract also renews the company’s commitment to keep all 12 breweries open during the term of the new agreement.

The new contract increases wages by 65 cents per hour in the first year; 60 cents per hour in years two, three and four; and 55 cents per hour in year five. The agreement provides for maintenance of an excellent health care package with no employee-paid premiums in Company-sponsored plans and a pension benefit increase of 14 % for defined benefits plans.

“We are pleased both that our company’s performance allowed us to make this outstanding offer and that our employees ratified it in overwhelming fashion. We look forward to building on this successful joint effort,” said Busch.

Anheuser-Busch Inc. is the world’s largest brewer with 12 domestic breweries and distribution in more than 80 countries. The company’s portfolio of more than 30 brands includes Budweiser, the world’s best-selling beer; Bud Light, the world’s No. 1 light beer; Michelob; Michelob Light; Michelob ULTRA; BUSCH; and a variety of specialty beers, imports and non-alcohol brews.

08 December, 2003