SANTIAGO – BHP (NYSE: BHP), an Australian miner, requested the Chilean government to mediate with the union representing workers at its Escondida mine, the company said on Monday. This move aims to avoid a potential strike at the world’s largest copper project.
BHP noted in a statement that the mine is operating normally and that the mediation would aim to achieve a contractual agreement for the mine’s workers.
BHP (NYSE: BHP) owns more than half of Escondida, while Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO) and JECO Corp control minority stakes.
Once the mediation is confirmed, the parties will have five working days to continue negotiations, according to the statement.
Last week, Escondida workers rejected an offer for a new collective bargaining agreement, according to the union.
The union has demanded that 1% of dividends to be distributed equally among workers but declined on Monday to comment on the company’s request for mediation.
(Source: ReutersReuters)
