BHP Escondida mine supervisors' union urges rejection of contract offer, strike looms

By Reuters News

SANTIAGO, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Unionized supervisors at BHP's Escondida copper mine in Chile will urge members to reject the company's latest contract offer, paving the way for a strike at the world's largest copper mine, the union reported.

• BHP presented the offer at the end of Tuesday's session in the formal negotiation process, which will be voted on by union members on September 28-30.

• The union board unanimously rejected the latest offer claiming it "lacks essential elements," according to union leader Alexis Barrera.

• He called on union members to vote for a strike.

• If members vote to reject the offer, a mandatory five-day government mediation follows before a legal strike can begin, with the period extendable by five more days by mutual agreement.

• Workers have objected to provisions including task-based work requirements and a possible 14-14 day work/rest shift rotation during contingencies.

• Escondida said the offer "contains improvements and new benefits over the current collective agreement, which is already a leading instrument in the industry for the supervisors and staff segment."

• The new contract comes amid lower production levels, cost pressures and an investment plan to maintain future productive capacity, according to the company.

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