(Montreal, November 24, 2006) – METRO regrets that the employees of its grocery warehouse in Montreal have decided to go on strike rather than continuing the negotiation process already initiated.

METRO is disappointed by the employee representatives’ decision to call a strike before presenting to the 315 employees of the grocery warehouse the proposal tabled this week by the employer. The proposal tabled would have allowed them to enjoy some of the most generous working conditions in the industry.

“We would like to reach an agreement under terms that will allow the company to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging marketplace. We regret this situation especially since METRO generally enjoys excellent relations with its workforce and their unions. Our proposal does not warrant a strike since it offers the best conditions in the Quebec food distribution industry”, mentions Alain Picard, Vice-President, Human Resources.

METRO wants to reassure its clientele that it will do everything in its power to maintain the quality of service it is known for by ensuring the best possible supply to its stores under the circumstances.

METRO INC.
With annual sales approaching $11 billion and more than 65 000 employees, METRO INC. is a leader in the food and pharmaceutical sectors in Québec as well as in Ontario, where the company operates a network of nearly 600 food stores under the Metro, Metro Plus, Super C, A&P, Dominion, Loeb and Food Basics banners, as well as over 250 pharmacies under the Brunet, Clini Plus, The Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners.


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SOURCE: METRO
Information: Marie-Claude Bacon
Director, Corporate Affairs
(514) 643-1086

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