E-Malt.com News article: 3694

Canada: Labatt Breweries, the Canadian unit of Belgium's InBev, announced on November 18 it is had ratified a closure agreement with Local 300 of the Brewery, Winery and Distillery Worker's Union. In September Labatt announced the closure of the Pacific Coast brewery in New Westminster, British Columbia, because of excess capacity. Labatt Breweries's unionized workers have approved an agreement, Labatt revealed. The employees ratified the closure agreement by vote on November 17. The anticipated brewery closure date is April 21, 2005 with production switched to facilities in Creston, British Columbia, and Edmonton, Alberta.

The agreement calls for Labatt to pay the laid off workers C$5.5 million ($4.6 million) in addition to the C$1 million in support it announced in September. "Labatt would like to thank the executive of Local 300 for their efforts in negotiating this closure agreement," said Neil Sweeney, Labatt Breweries of Canada Director of Public Affairs, Western Canada. "They negotiated professionally on behalf of their members and we are pleased that they will receive additional separation monies."

"The negotiating team of Labatt was very professional during this difficult time," said Tom Smith, Labatt New Westminster Local 300 President. "We appreciate their honesty and desire to provide our members with an improved severance and separation package."

Labatt Breweries of Canada is one of the nation's longest-established and most successful brewing companies. A proud brewer of quality beers, Labatt operates breweries from coast to coast and distributes in 40 countries. Labatt is part of Belgian-based InBev, the world's premier brewer.


21 November, 2004