United Steelworkers Local 7619 has served a 72-hour strike notice for about 1,200 workers at Teck’s Highland Valley Copper mine near Logan Lake, B.C.
The Story
A union representing about 1,200 workers at Teck Resources Ltd.’s Highland Valley Copper mine in the B.C. Interior has issued a 72-hour strike notice.
The notice was served by United Steelworkers Local 7619 following unsuccessful negotiations to reach a collective agreement with the mine’s operator.
The union said it has concerns about Teck’s ability to attract and retain skilled workers, particularly in the trades, and it raised proposals aimed at addressing staffing shortages, improving wages and strengthening pensions.
Teck said it has a contingency plan intended to maintain safety and environmental management during a possible strike, and that it remains committed to reaching a “fair and reasonable” collective agreement that supports the operation’s viability.
The union said that if a negotiated agreement is not reached, strike action could begin as early as 8 a.m. on Saturday.
The labour dispute comes as Teck and Anglo American PLC work to close their multibillion-dollar merger deal announced last year.
← More stories