Alcan and Canadian Auto Workers Local 2301 sign new three year labour agreement in Kitimat

MONTREAL, July 27 -- Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL) announced today that its Kitimat, British Columbia smelter's hourly workers have ratified a new three-year labour agreement with the Company. Members of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) Local 2301 voted in favour of the new agreement yesterday.

"I am very pleased with the outcome of the ratification vote. The new contract will allow Alcan and the union to continue to focus together on improving the performance and safety results at the smelter," said Cynthia Carroll, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Primary Metal Group.

Reflecting on the general overall negotiating climate, Paul Henning, Alcan's Director of Operations for British Columbia said, "The climate this year was positive, and with the professionalism of both the CAW and Alcan negotiating teams this welcome agreement has been achieved."

Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminum and packaging. With world-class operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum as well as flexible and specialty packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina processing, today's Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs almost 70,000 people and has operating facilities in 55 countries and regions.