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Operations at Canada’s largest open-pit copper mine have been reduced after more than 1,200 unionized workers walked off the job Saturday following failed contract talks.
In a notice posted Saturday, Teck Resources Limited said operations are continuing at a reduced capacity at Highland Valley Copper Operations, near Logan Lake, B.C.
The unionized staff is made up of tradespeople, operations, analytical, metallurgy, warehouse and janitorial workers.
United Steelworkers Local 7619 issued a 72-hour strike notice last week, with workers beginning job action on Saturday.
“There’s a lot of safety issues outstanding … issues around trades retention … the ministry of mines report around bullying, harassment,” union president Kyle Wolff said in an interview.
“A lot of those issues are still outstanding at the bargaining table and the company is just not willing to deal with them.”
The union says 944 members participated in the strike mandate vote supporting job action, and all of them voted yes.
The vote “speaks volumes” about the frustration on the worksite, he added.
Despite the vote, the union says in a statement it continued bargaining in an effort to find an agreement, but the company presented a revised monetary offer and withdrew a concession.
The proposal continued to “fall short of members’ expectations,” the statement read.
“It’s a combination of multiple things, but really, it’s frustration,” said Wolff. “Membership pulled together. We had over 350 to 400 picketers on day one. We’re planning a big picket on Monday.”
In an update posted Saturday, Teck said it is committed to reaching a collective agreement that is fair for employees and supports the operation’s viability.
Contingency plans are in place to maintain safety and environmental management during the labour action, it added.
Concerns about wages, pensions, worker retention
According to the union’s statement, employees have continued to leave the operation, and it has raised concerns about Teck’s ability to attract and retain skilled workers, particularly in the trades.
The union added it has put forward proposals to address shortages and improve wages and pensions “to ensure Highland Valley Copper remains a competitive employer as B.C.’s mining industry grows.”
“We have a significant issue right now where we’re competing with the different mines and local businesses,” Wolff explained.
“There’s what, 12 different mines opening up in British Columbia. They’re all in massive expansions, we’re trying to seek all of those same trades right now and they’re not showing up. We believe it has to do with wages, benefits and pensions.”
They are shorthanded on pipefitters, electricians, carpentry, HVAC mechanics, and others, he added.
“You name it, we’re struggling to get them,” Wolff explained.
CBC News has reached out to Teck for comment.
The strike comes as Teck is working to advance a $2.1 to 2.4 billion Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension project.
Operations at the mine are planned to be extended through 2046.
“We have a very well organized strike where we’re prepared to bargain, but we’re prepared to tough this one out,” said Wolff.
“We sure hope that they are ready to bargain next time we sit down or this will be a long, long strike. “