BNamericas reported that unionized workers at the BHP Billiton controlled Escondida copper mine in northern Chile's region II are doubtful about the prospect of reaching a favorable agreement with management as part of the early collective contract negotiation process.
Mr Marcelo Tapia union secretary said that the uncertainty is due to the fact that the company has not yet responded to the union's counteroffer which it should have done either today or tomorrow.
Union workers at the mine agreed to participate in ahead of schedule negotiations in late November and talks officially began on December 3rd 2012. In response to an initial offer from BHP, the union came back with a counterproposal on December 7th 2012.
On the table at the moment are improvements in healthcare, education, variable bonuses and layoff plans among other things said Mr Tapia, clarifying that contrary to local press reports, there has been no discussion thus far regarding settlement bonuses or soft loans.
Australia's BHP Billiton controls Escondida with a 57.5% stake. The mine produced 533,242 tonnes of copper in H1 including 366,205 tonnes of copper concentrates and 167,037 tonnes of cathodes.
