September 18, 2018

Anheuser-Busch Drivers and Warehousemen Overwhelmingly Ratify Agreement

A group of 63 Teamsters responsible for warehousing and distribution of Anheuser-Busch products throughout King County have a new contract, after voting overwhelmingly to ratify the fully recommended offer this weekend. The 5-year agreement was hard-fought, with a contentious negotiation that dragged on well past the original contract expiration date. However, the fight led to an extremely strong contract.

The agreement includes significant wage increases, including a $2.50 hourly increase retroactive to May 1, and an additional $1,200 signing bonus. There are also major increases to medical and retirement, along with improved bidding rights, vacation, and sick leave.

“We don’t believe in leaving the bargaining table until we have an offer that gives our members what they deserve, and that meant not letting the company leave the table until we were finished,” said Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “This excellent contract is a credit to the strength of the group, and especially their rank-and-file Bargaining Committee members Brian Genge and Dan Randolf. They stayed the course, and now everyone can reap the rewards.”

Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 7,200 working men and women in the Seattle area. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.