Union at BHP's Escondida mine in Chile refuses to pause contract talks after fatal accident
BHP•A union at BHP's Escondida mine rejected the company's request to temporarily suspend contract talks after a worker was killed. Supervisors are due to vote next week on BHP's latest offer, which the union has urged them to reject.
1. Talks to continue
The union representing supervisors at Chile's Escondida mine rejected BHP's request to temporarily suspend contract negotiations following a worker's death earlier this week. BHP said the request was intended to let the company focus on supporting workers, and said the labor code provides for a temporary suspension.
2. Unions criticize response
The supervisors' union accused BHP of using the tragedy to seek a pause, citing concerns it had previously raised about safety conditions. The union representing rank-and-file workers also criticized the request and said much of the mine's activity continued after the accident. BHP said it fully halted mining and much of the site's other operations.
3. Vote due next week
Supervisors are scheduled to vote next week on BHP's latest formal offer. Their union has urged members to reject it, potentially clearing the way for a strike. Escondida's management said operations were gradually resuming as the company assesses the situation.
