MONTREAL, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ - Rio Tinto Alcan marked the signing of a one-of-a-kind labour agreement with sixteen labour unions for the construction of the Kitimat Modernization Project at a ceremony in Vancouver. This agreement between the Kitimat Modernization Employer Association and the unions facilitates access to the qualified British Columbia building trades workforce, with joint commitments to local and First Nations hiring.

'As these unions work together to provide the necessary skilled labour, with an absolute commitment to safety, quality and environmental excellence, our confidence in successful project execution is stronger than ever,' said Jean Simon, President, Primary Metal North America. 'The tight construction market has been a concern for the Kitimat Modernization Project, and this agreement directly addresses that key issue as we go forward for final board approval.' The Kitimat Modernization Project is expected to go before the Rio Tinto Board of Directors later this year.

Brent Hegger, the project's Managing Director, added, 'This agreement contains all the fundamentals for sound site operations and excellent relations with our all-important construction labour force. I couldn't be more thrilled about this achievement that brings us one step closer to project realization.'

Rio Tinto Alcan recently awarded Bechtel a contract to complete engineering, procurement and construction management of the Kitimat Modernization Project.