Rio Tinto Alcan and the CAW Union (Local 1937) ratify an agreement for the early renewal of labour contracts in Saguenay, Quebec

MONTREAL, Dec. 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Rio Tinto Alcan and the employees represented by the Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW, Local 1937) have ratified an agreement for the early renewal and extension of labour contracts in Saguenay, Quebec to 2018. The agreement also includes a clause for the potential extension of the contracts to 2022.

"This agreement has been made possible by the willingness of both parties to find mutually beneficial solutions to their respective issues. It is a particularly important milestone for Arvida Works, our 80-year-old aluminium smelter which faces numerous challenges. This demonstrates our ability to work together for everyone's benefit," said Étienne Jacques, chief operating officer, Rio Tinto Alcan Primary Metal North America. "The agreement will ensure a smooth and progressive transition between the shutdown of Arvida Works and the potential subsequent phases of the Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre."

The new agreement replaces the labour contracts that were slated to end in 2014, and includes all facilities tied to the Jonquière Complex and covered by the CAW Local 1937 union certification, namely: Arvida Works; Vaudreuil Works; Laterrière Works; Arvida Research & Development Centre; Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre; Building 8, Power Operations; and the Roberval-Saguenay Railway, Alma.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.

SOURCE: RIO TINTO ALCAN - EN

Media relations,
Rio Tinto Alcan

Claudine Gagnon
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Website: www.riotintoalcan.com