On Jan. 5, union workers at Chile’s Chuquicamata copper mine won a new 38-month wage contract ending a series of strikes and stoppages. In early December, workers walked out and barricaded the mine in protest over likely cuts in wages, benefits and vacation time.
Codelco, which owns the mine, previously held that the global economic recession was to blame for the cuts. Codelco’s tone shifted after workers effectively shut down production, costing the company an estimated daily loss of 1,200 tons of copper.
The Chilean government lined up behind the bosses of Codelco and attempted to shift the blame to the workers. Finance Minister Andres Velasco told state television that “this kind of strike is bad for Chile.” “When there is more productivity… (Codelco) will be able to pass these profits on to workers.” In 2009, the price of copper skyrocketed over 125 percent.
Two-thirds of workers voted to accept the new contract, which provided a 4 percent pay increase and bonuses valued around $24,000.
On Jan. 5, union workers at Chile’s Chuquicamata copper mine won a new 38-month wage contract ending a series of strikes and stoppages. In early December, workers walked out and barricaded the mine in protest over likely cuts in wages, benefits and vacation time.
Codelco, which owns the mine, previously held that the global economic recession was to blame for the cuts. Codelco’s tone shifted after workers effectively shut down production, costing the company an estimated daily loss of 1,200 tons of copper.
The Chilean government lined up behind the bosses of Codelco and attempted to shift the blame to the workers. Finance Minister Andres Velasco told state television that “this kind of strike is bad for Chile.” “When there is more productivity… (Codelco) will be able to pass these profits on to workers.” In 2009, the price of copper skyrocketed over 125 percent.
Two-thirds of workers voted to accept the new contract, which provided a 4 percent pay increase and bonuses valued around $24,000.
