March 5 (Reuters) - The Teamsters union said on Tuesday

its members approved a five-year agreement with Anheuser-Busch

Inbev, ratifying a deal that includes pay hikes and

improved healthcare for workers at the brewer's U.S. facilities.

Anheuser-Busch Inbev and the Teamsters union had reached a

tentative agreement last week that averted a strike.

Under the agreement, which covers 5,000 Teamsters working at

Anheuser-Busch breweries in the United States, union members

will receive wage increases of $8 an hour, including an

immediate $4 an hour raise in the first year, the union said.

The contract also includes a $2,500 ratification bonus,

increased pension contributions, and restoration of retirement

benefits for active and retired members.