Staff Reports
In a year of turmoil for Anheuser-Busch, it looks like the brewing company may be heading into an even bigger storm in 2024 — this time, with its own workers. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters recently held a vote, with a whopping 99% in favor of allowing the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee to call for a strike against Anheuser-Busch. This potential strike would involve 5,000 Teamster members across 12 breweries in the United States, all demanding increased pay, job security, and improved healthcare and retirement benefits.
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien spoke out, declaring the union’s unwavering commitment to securing the best contract for Anheuser-Busch employees. He emphasized the vital role of the workers in putting Anheuser-Busch products on the shelves and stressed the necessity of a contract that truly values their hard work. O’Brien also warned that if Anheuser-Busch fails to negotiate an agreement that respects its workers, they are prepared to take to the streets in protest.
Although Anheuser-Busch made strides in resolving tiered healthcare benefits and reintroducing retiree health benefits after reaching an agreement with the Teamsters last month, the company has yet to address the issue of job security — a consistent demand from the union. With the current agreement set to expire on February 29, 2024, tensions are running high.
The timing of this potential strike couldn’t be worse for the already struggling Anheuser-Busch, as the company has been grappling with significant financial challenges, particularly related to its Bud Light brand. Following backlash from consumers over a partnership with transgender social media figure Dylan Mulvaney, Bud Light has been desperately trying to win back customers through various marketing ploys, such as becoming a sponsor for UFC and teaming up with football legends Peyton Manning and Emmitt Smith for a new advertisement called “Easy Rounds.”
Anheuser-Busch InBev CEO Michel Doukeris, while citing a survey indicating a potential willingness among 40% of former Bud Light customers to give the drink another try, remains resolute in the company’s commitment to revitalizing Bud Light and its associated platforms. Despite the CEO’s optimism, the looming threat of a strike from the Teamsters adds another layer of uncertainty to Anheuser-Busch’s already precarious situation.
