BHP Union Leader Sees Good Prospects for Wage Deal at Giant Mine
- More conciliatory tone augers well for slew of wage talks
- Negotiation last year ended in 44-day strike and no wage deal
Escondida copper mine workers on strike, on March 8, 2017.
Photographer: Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images
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Copper bulls battered by trade tensions have some more bad news to deal with from Chile, where the union at BHP Billiton Ltd.’s Escondida gave the strongest indication yet the giant mine may avoid a strike this year.
Union and company delegates have started early talks on a new collective contract after the two sides failed to reach an agreement last year despite a 44-day strike. This week’s negotiations indicate both sides are disposed to reach an agreement, according to Union No. 1 President Patricio Tapia.