Xstrata Copper: Kidd Metallurgical and CAW-Local 599 Fail to Reach Collective Agreement
Xstrata Copper Canada announces that the Kidd Metallurgical site and CAW-Local 599 were unable to agree to the terms for a new collective agreement. As a result, CAW Local 599 initiated a strike. The existing collective agreement expired at midnight, September 30, 2008.
“Despite the Union having broken off talks at 2 pm on Monday, the company bargaining team continued to try to negotiate an agreement. We are very disappointed that the Union’s Executive turned down the Company’s offer. We presented a fair and competitive offer that balances the needs of employees and those of the Metallurgical Site,” stated Thompson Hickey, General Manager of the Kidd Metallurgical site.
“It is impossible for us to say at this stage how long the strike will last. Our goal remains to achieve a new collective agreement. We encourage employees to carefully consider our offer,” concluded Mr. Hickey.
Kidd Metallurgical has deployed its contingency plan. No plans have been made with regard to further discussions.
