Woo-hoo! A-B Teamsters ratify contract after strike

Congressman Joe Baca on the strike line.

This just in: Teamsters from Local 166 in Bloomington, Calif., ratified a contract with Anheuser-Busch after striking since June 24.

They've been out for two months. Anheuser-Busch had offered a terrible contract on several counts: overtime pay, classification of temporary workers, retiree health care and benefits for new employees.

Mike Bergen, principal officer of Local 166, said:

We fought to get a fair contract for our members and we won. In addition to a solid contract, we won permanent status for 15 formerly temporary jobs along with other benefit improvements. Dave Laughton, director of the Teamsters Brewery and Soft Drink Conference and Dennis Hart, conference representative, were both a major help to us with winning this new contract.

Chris Turner is an A-B warehouseman and member of Local 166 for 30 years. He said:

Despite the difficult economy, our local union did a terrific job in representing us and supporting us during the strike. Knowing that we have job stability for the next three years is a great relief for me and my family.

Teamsters represent more than 8,000 employees of Anheuser-Busch nationwide.

Solidarity, brothers and sisters!