Highland Valley Copper, owned 50% by Cominco (TSE), 33.6% by Rio Algom (TSE), 13.9% by Teck (TSE), and 2.5% by Highmont Mining, has been facing the possibility of a strike since September when the union’s collective agreement expired.
Highland Valley, in south-central British Columbia, is one of the largest open pit copper mines in North America in terms of volume mined and processed. Members of Local 7619 of the Steelworkers Union voted 93% in favor of strike action on Oct. 13, although no strike has been called.
Highland Valley recently took the union before the Industrial Relations Council seeking a cease and desist order for alleged illegal strike activities. Rod Killough, manager of industrial relations and personnel, said the activities included slowdowns and the refusal of overtime. The order was dismissed by the council and Killough said the company is appealing the ruling.
The two sides have not had any formal talks since Oct. 24, and Killough said there are no immediate plans to return to the bargaining table. Richard Boyce, president of the local, said the union has requested a resumption of negotiations and is awaiting a formal response from the company. Boyce noted that the three major issues are wages, pensions and severance. He said the two sides are very close on wages and pensions but the company has rejected severance demands.
Boyce noted that management of Highland Valley has indicated a possibility of future layoffs, underlining the importance of a severance package to the union.
Boyce said union representatives will review their next move if the company is not willing to resume talks.
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