Anheuser-Busch, Union Reach Tentative Pact

Anheuser-Busch Cos., the nation’s largest brewer, reached a tentative agreement on a five-year contract with the Teamsters after nearly two years of bitter negotiations. Under terms of the agreement with about 8,000 workers, wages will rise by about 13% and the St. Louis-based company will keep open its 12 breweries. “The most important issue was job security and that’s what we’ve been able to achieve with this settlement,” said Chip Roth, a Teamsters spokesman. Anheuser-Busch and the union began negotiations in the fall of 1997. The old contract expired in early 1998. Mail-in voting is expected to take about a month. The new contract also increases pension benefits, continues no-cost health-care coverage and provides a lump-sum payment for each worker based on performance of the company’s stock. Anheuser-Busch operates breweries in Los Angeles; Fairfield, Calif.; and several other cities throughout the country. The agreement was recommended for approval by Brewery and Soft Drink Workers Conference Director Jack Cipriani. Anheuser-Busch shares rose 94 cents to close at $70.88 on the New York Stock Exchange.