BHP announced that it has begun removing striking workers from its Escondida copper mine in Chile, escalating tensions after a key union rejected the company’s latest proposal to resume pay negotiations.
The strike, which began shortly after failed talks, could significantly impact production at the world’s largest copper mine. Union No. 1, representing approximately 2,400 workers, turned down BHP’s invitation to restart discussions. Although the mine produced 1.1 million metric tons of copper last year, BHP did not detail the extent of the operational impact or how production has been affected.
BHP has implemented a contingency plan to maintain “minimum services,” allowing non-union workers to continue operations. The company’s move to replace striking workers has been met with accusations from the union of breaching strike protocols, with the labor group claiming that the company is undermining essential operations.
The union, demanding a larger share of the profits boosted by high copper prices, has expressed its willingness to return to negotiations but condemned BHP’s actions as anti-union. “We demand the company immediately end this grave anti-union practice,” the union stated.
