MONTREAL, QUEBEC–(Marketwired – June 6, 2016) – Rogers Sugar Inc. (the “Corporation”) (TSX:RSI) is pleased to announce that the Corporation and the union representatives of the operation and maintenance employees of the Montreal refinery have reached a five-year collective agreement that has now been ratified by the membership who will be returning to work within the next few hours. Consequently, all production activities will resume and the Corporation expects a return to normal activities as soon as possible.
“We are extremely pleased that, together, we were able to find a compromise in order to reach a satisfactory outcome for both parties. Over the next few months, we will be working hard at strengthening our relationship with the union and its members.” stated Mr. John Holliday, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lantic. He added: “We would like to extend our gratitude to our customers for their understanding. We would also like to thank all of our employees for their continued support.”
The Montreal refinery employs approximately 200 unionized workers. Collective bargaining talks between Lantic Inc. (“Lantic”) and its Montreal union began in March 2016 following the expiry, on February 28, 2016, of a three-year collective agreement. On May 31 2016, the union members of the operation and maintenance group exercised their right to strike resulting in the interruption of production at the Montreal refinery.
The Montreal refinery is operated by Lantic, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation.
About Rogers Sugar Inc.
The Corporation is a corporation established under the laws of Canada. The Corporation holds all of the common shares of Lantic Inc. Lantic Inc. operates cane sugar refineries in Montreal, Quebec and Vancouver, British Columbia, as well as the only Canadian sugar beet processing facility in Taber, Alberta. Lantic Inc.’s sugar products are marketed under the “Lantic” trademark in Eastern Canada, and the “Rogers” trademark in Western Canada and include granulated, icing, cube, yellow and brown sugars, liquid sugars and specialty syrups.
This document contains certain forward-looking statements, relating to the Corporation’s operations or to the environment in which it operates, which are based on the Corporation’s operations, estimates, forecasts and projections. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and/or are beyond the Corporation’s control. A number of important factors could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. These factors include those set forth in other public filings. In addition, these forward-looking statements related to the date on which they are made. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.
Pierre Boucher
(514) 731-0000