Hundreds of Workers on Strike at Gibraltar Copper Mine in British Columbia
In a show of solidarity and determination, hundreds of workers at the Gibraltar copper mine in British Columbia have gone on strike. The strike, which began on Monday, has halted production at the mine, which is one of the largest copper mines in Canada.
The workers, who are represented by the United Steelworkers Union, are demanding better wages and benefits, as well as improved working conditions. They have been negotiating with the mine’s owner, Taseko Mines Ltd., for several months, but have been unable to reach a satisfactory agreement.
According to the union, the workers have been working without a contract since the end of 2020 and have not received a wage increase in over two years. They are also concerned about the lack of job security and the use of temporary workers at the mine.
In a statement, the union’s president, Stephen Hunt, said, “Our members are the backbone of this mine and they deserve fair compensation for their hard work. We have been negotiating in good faith, but the company has not been willing to meet our reasonable demands.”
The strike has received support from other unions and community members, who have joined the workers on the picket line. They are calling on Taseko Mines Ltd. to come back to the negotiating table and reach a fair agreement with the workers.
In response to the strike, Taseko Mines Ltd. has stated that they are disappointed with the union’s decision to strike and that they remain committed to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement. They have also assured that the mine’s operations will continue with the use of management and non-union workers.
The Gibraltar copper mine, located near Williams Lake, employs over 700 workers and produces approximately 140 million pounds of copper annually. The strike is expected to have a significant impact on the mine’s production and could potentially affect the global copper market.
The union has stated that they are willing to continue negotiations with the company and are hopeful that a resolution can be reached soon. In the meantime, the workers remain on the picket line, determined to fight for their rights and fair treatment.
This strike at the Gibraltar copper mine serves as a reminder of the importance of fair labor practices and the power of workers standing together in solidarity. As negotiations continue, the eyes of the community and the industry will be closely watching the outcome of this dispute.
