USA: A boycott of Anheuser-Busch products is continued by the Teamsters

Teamster drivers on strike at Lohr Distributing vowed on September 27 to continue a boycott of Anheuser-Busch products in St. Louis until the company starts valuing its workers and their contributions to its success, International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced on the same day.

The striking Teamsters garnered support from partner unions in Change To Win, the new labour federation holding the founding convention in St. Louis on September 27. The convention site, the Renaissance Grand Hotel, has refused to serve Anheuser-Busch products for 30 days in support of the drivers. Lohr Distributing holds the exclusive right to distribute all Anheuser-Busch products in the city.

"We work hard for Lohr. We're asking for fairness in return," said Tony Giamanco, a 16-year beer delivery driver. "Instead, Lohr wants to eliminate our full-time jobs, and cut our benefits and our pay. That's not the American way."

More than 40 restaurants and hotels in St. Louis are participating in the citywide boycott of Anheuser-Busch. Teamsters walked off the job May 22 in protest of the Lohr's effort to replace full-time jobs with part-time jobs. The drivers' five-year contract expired in February.

"Our members have kept the 'King of Beer' flowing in the city of St. Louis for over 35 years," said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. "It's time Lohr shared its success with the workers who made the company what it is today. That's the real spirit of St. Louis."

"We're asking St. Louis residents and visitors to put down that Bud and support your Teamsters," added Dan McKay, president of Local 600 in St. Louis.

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