The union representing some 1,200 workers at a Teck Resources Ltd. copper mine in the British Columbia Interior has served a 72-hour strike notice.
United Steelworkers Local 7619 says the notice follows unsuccessful negotiations to reach a fair collective agreement with the operator of the Highland Valley Copper site near Logan Lake, B.C.
The union says it has raised concerns about Teck’s ability to attract and retain skilled workers, particularly in the trades.
It says it put forward proposals to address staffing shortages, improve wages and strengthen pensions to ensure the mine is a competitive employer in B.C.’s growing mining industry.
Teck says it has a contingency plan to maintain safety and environmental management during a possible strike and that it’s committed to reaching a “fair and reasonable” collective agreement that supports the operation’s viability.
If a negotiated agreement isn’t reached, strike action will 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.
