Wage mediation between unions and operator BHP at Chile’s Escondida, the world’s
largest copper mine, entered its final day after BHP revised its pay offer.
Workers at an Antofagasta-owned copper unit have also returned to talks.
Copper’s proximity to record highs has driven demands for greater profit sharing
while miners push to contain cost inflation, stoking labour tensions and raising
the risk of further supply disruption. BHP said its latest proposal would keep
Escondida supervisors and staff among the highest paid in the sector; unions
said it answered some demands but significant gaps remain. Union leader Alexis
Barrera said a proposed signing bonus of about $25,500 per worker, presented as
part of an overall benefits package, is below market given the company’s large
profits. If no agreement is reached on Tuesday, more than 1,000 union members
could start striking from Wednesday; mediation could also be extended.
