ST. LOUIS — Anheuser-Busch has one more opportunity to commit to union member job security, Teamsters said on Thursday. If the company's next offer doesn't meet union member standards, around 5,000 will go on strike as soon as March 1.
"The halting of beer production at Anheuser-Busch's U.S. breweries appears imminent and unavoidable," Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien said. "They have a harsh reality awaiting them when Anheuser-Busch breweries are empty, and Teamsters are on the streets."
The negotiations continue after 99% of union members at 12 Anheuser-Busch breweries voted on Dec. 16 to authorize a strike.
Saint Louis University Professor of Management David Kaplan said strikes happen in waves and they often have a lot to do with the economic environment.
"The Teamsters, the people working for AB, just like everyone else, have been dealing with inflation. One of the differences with unionized workers, as opposed to non-unionized workers, is that you don't have as many opportunities to have your salary adjusted. So, this is their big opportunity," Kaplan said.
The union said Anheuser-Busch's recent negotiation offer threatened to close multiple breweries and permanently lay off Teamsters company-wide. Teamsters said the company has also delayed contract negotiations over the last two months and refused to agree to the union's request for Juneteenth as a paid holiday.
An Anheuser-Busch spokesperson denied the accusations in a Thursday evening statement, saying, "The Teamsters’ posts are false—we have not made a decision regarding our breweries and beer production will continue uninterrupted—and we invite union leadership to return to the bargaining table to reach an agreement that continues to recognize and reward our brewery employees."
Kaplan said strikes are hard on employees, their families and local businesses.
"Strikes are not a first-choice option for unions. Negotiation is a first-choice option. That's why I think the hope of the Teamsters and most unions is that, they're using the strike to show that they're serious and to try to get AB or the employer to come to the table with an honest offer. Because no one really wants a strike," Kaplan said.
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