BHP Escondida mine supervisors' union urges rejection of contract offer, strike looms
BHP•Union urges members to reject offer
SANTIAGO, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Unionized supervisors at BHP's Escondida copper mine in Chile will urge members to reject the company's latest contract offer, paving the way for a strike at the world's largest copper mine, the union reported.
- BHP presented the offer at the end of Tuesday's session in the formal negotiation process, which will be voted on by union members on September 28-30.
- The union board unanimously rejected the latest offer claiming it "lacks essential elements," according to union leader Alexis Barrera.
- He called on union members to vote for a strike.
- If members vote to reject the offer, a mandatory five-day government mediation follows before a legal strike can begin, with the period extendable by five more days by mutual agreement.
BHP says offer includes improvements
Escondida said the offer "contains improvements and new benefits over the current collective agreement, which is already a leading instrument in the industry for the supervisors and staff segment."
The new contract comes amid lower production levels, cost pressures and an investment plan to maintain future productive capacity, according to the company.
Workers object to shift and work requirements
Workers have objected to provisions including task-based work requirements and a possible 14-14 day work/rest shift rotation during contingencies.
