Teck says strike has begun at Highland Valley Copper; union points to staffing, wages and pensions

Teck Resources said on Oct. 24 that strike action by United Steelworkers Local 7619 has started at its Highland Valley Copper mine in British Columbia. Teck said the mine is running at reduced capacity and that it has contingency plans for safety and environmental management. It said the effect on overall production depends on how long the strike lasts, and it gave no production figure.

Teck had reported on Oct. 21 that it received a strike notice, and said the collective agreement expired on Sept. 30. The union’s statements, as reported by CFJC Today, say it has proposed fixes for staffing shortages, wages and pensions, and that its members will not accept concessions. The union said all 944 members who took part in the strike vote backed a walkout, and its bargaining committee referred to 1,277 members. Teck said it is committed to an agreement that is fair to employees and supports the mine’s viability. None of the three sources reports a Teck response to the union’s proposals.