Strike halts production at Golden Giant

A strike has halted production at the Golden Giant mine of Hemlo Gold Mines (TSE).

The 223 members of United Steelworkers of America Local 9364 went on strike June 17, citing a dispute with management over seniority issues. The mine was subsequently shut down by management.

There have been no negotiations between Hemlo Gold and the union since the end of May. While company officials say the union refused to attend talks set for June 8 and 9, union representative Moses Sheppard says no senior union officials had agreed to the dates. No new meetings have been scheduled.

Mine Manager John Keyes says the mine must now be closed temporarily and all assets must be secured before the company can negotiate. The company has no plans to operate the mine without Local 9364, he added.

In 1994, the Golden Giant mine accounted for 447,000 oz. of Hemlo Gold’s total production of 489,000 oz.