13/04/2010 Labour agreement talks broke down last weekend between the Swedish Paper Workers' Union (Svenska Pappers) and the employers' Forest Industry Association (Skogsindustrierna,SFIF). An overtime ban and a blockade of temporary workers started at all Swedish papers mills yesterday evening at 6 p.m. If no agreement is reached in the meantime, selective strikes will begin at six Swedish pulp and paper mills on April 16. Metsä Tissue's mills are not among the six targeted mills. The overtime ban and especially the pulp mill strikes in Sweden can nevertheless have a disruptive impact on the deliveries, especially in Sweden. If the industrial action is prolonged or expanded, a pulp shortage could limit the availability of certain tissue products, possibly even outside Sweden. Naturally, the extent of the consequences will depend on the length of the strike. The pulp and paper industry have already faced significant challenges over the past month with pulp supply having suffered from the earthquake in Chile and the Finnish stevedores' strike. Metsä Tissue has been monitoring the situation and preparing for the eventuality of a strike for several weeks. Potential back-up capacity on top of the stock arrangements within the company has been identified and will be activated if needed. Metsä Tissue regrets any disruption caused by the strike and will do its utmost to minimize any inconvenience to its customers and consumers. Metsä Tissue will follow the situation carefully and keep key stakeholders informed through ordinary business channels. For customer enquiries: Please consult your personal sales contact at Metsä Tissue. For general strike-related questions: Juhana Kalpio, SVP, Supply Chain Tel: +358 1046 54184 E-mail: juhana.kalpio[at]metsatissue.com Patrik Karlsson. Vice President, Supply Chain Scandinavia Tel: +46 501 27 50 27 E-mail: patrik.karlsson[at]metsatissue.com