Talks to end the week-old strike at Lundin Mining's Candelaria copper mine in northern Chile have stalled while a second union could walk out early next week, company and union sources have said.
Union officials and company negotiators were due to meet Oct. 14 following an invitation from the company to the Mine union. However, the meeting was called off as strikers failed to lift blockades on access roads to the mine -- one of the conditions stipulated in the letter.
"We lament that these conditions have not been fulfilled... It is not possible to maintain a dialog under pressure," the company said in a statement late Oct. 14.
The 350-strong Mine union began the indefinite strike on Oct. 8 after members rejected the final deal from management during government-mediated talks.
Canada-based Lundin owns 80% of the Candelaria complex, which combines open-pit and underground operations. Japan´s Sumitomo Corporation owns a 20% stake. Last year, it produced 111,400 mt of copper.
The company has said that production is continuing despite the strike. However, that could change if members of the 550-strong Candelaria union also walk out. The company and union leaders are due to meet for the third of five days of government-mediated talks.
"If these don't work out the strike will begin next Tuesday," union president Evelyn Walter told S&P Global Platts.
Together the Candelaria and Mine unions represent the majority of workers at the operation.
Source: Platts |
