Employees of Plzeňský Prazdroj Have New Collective Employment Agreement

The new agreement will govern the relations between the employer and the employees for the period of two fiscal years, ending on March 31, 2014.

„I value the constructive negotiations leading to a  mutually acceptable solution. Under the current circumstances, I believe that the newly signed agreement is motivating for our employees and that it will strengthen their loyalty to Plzeňský Prazdroj. The agreement reflecting the conditions of the upcoming two years also gives future reassurances to both parties, the employer and the employees, which should contribute to a good working environment in our breweries and other departments of our company,“ said Ivan Balogh, director of human resources, commenting on the signing of the new agreement.

Both parties especially agreed on the benefit–package increase. The benefit points can now be used for transportation to work, environmental protection or an employee’s  liability insurance. With the beginning of the new fiscal year, employees may contribute less to their retirement fund; however, the employer will still contribute at least 500 CZK. New employees who start their jobs during the year will receive a proportionate part of the benefit package after three months. An employee coming from another company that is one of the SABMiller companies has a right to the portion of the benefit package immediately after commencing their employment at Plzeňský Prazdroj. The total value of the new benefit package will be increased by 500 CZK per employee per year.

The agreement will have no impact on the current wage scale, since the collective agreement signed last year sets its rules for a period of three years. According to that agreement, some employees may benefit from the variable portion of their wages related to the fulfilment of set goals. The variable portion of wages rewarding employees’ good performances reflects team efforts that have a positive impact on the company’s economic performance since last year.

The traditionally popular bonus, employees’ beer, will be distributed in the form of vouchers valued at 1500 CZK, with an expiration period of one year.

Each employee will have the right to an extra day of unpaid leave for the event of a child’s first day of preschool or first day of school.

The new agreement preserves bonuses for work anniversaries, reflecting the company’s respect for loyal employees and serving as a motivational aspect of the package. Those who spend five years with the company will receive a one–time bonus of up to 5000 CZK. Long–term employees may be awarded a total bonus of 25,000 CZK, including non–financial rewards awarded in five–year intervals.

Head employees will still have resources and an option to reward exceptional employees’ performances in the form of financial or non-financial awards. Non–financial awards may be in the form of vouchers.

Notes for editors:

• With total sales of nearly 9.9 million hectolitres during the calendar year of 2011 (including licensed production abroad) and with export to more than 50 countries worldwide, Plzeňský Prazdroj Inc. is the preeminent beer producer in the region and the biggest exporter of Czech beer.
• Plzeňský Prazdroj Inc. is a member of SABMiller plc. Pilsner Urquell is the international flagship brand of the SABMiller brand portfolio.
• SABMiller plc. is one of the world’s biggest beer brewing companies, with beer brewing activities or distribution in more than 60 countries across six continents. The SABMiller portfolio includes important international brands such as Grolsch, Miller Genuine Draft, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, and Pilsner Urquell, as well as almost 200 successful regional and national brands.

Contact:
Jiří Mareček
Manager external communication
Phone: +420 724 617 219

Plzeň