BHP mulls mediation in Chile's Escondida negotiations
In response to Escondida mine union No.1 voting to go on strike and its rejection of a mediation process, mine owner BHP said it would "make use of the mediation space."
Thursday midday the union said in a press conference that it expected the company to improve its last offer until Monday. Union leaders also argued mediation made no sense if the company wasn't willing to negotiate.
Thursday afternoon, BHP responded in a press release: "This proposal [the last offer] represents the best effort of the company and an excellent offer for the workers and their families to continue to have the best collective contract of private mining in the country."
Patricio Vilaplana, vice-president of corporate affairs at Minera Escondida reminded the union that the final offer remains valid until Sunday, and workers risked losing a 2mn-peso contract signing bonus, a housing benefit of 1.5mn and an interest-free 14mn-peso loan as part of a housing plan.
Vilaplana added that in case of a strike, the company is reviewing the contingency plans to minimize the impacts and ensure people's safety.
However, BHP seemed to rethink its approach on Friday, publishing a press release that mentioned official mediation with a labor inspector collective contract negotiation allows for.
Vilaplana said: "We are available to continue looking for spaces of dialogue. That's why we have shown the intendant our willingness to make use of the space of mediation."
The vice-president added that it's now up to union No. 1 to show willingness to dialogue without conditions and accept the mediation process.
When asked by BNamericas, the union said it wouldn't respond to BHP's last communication but that "the labor inspectorate should notify us if the company requests the mediation process."
According to labor law, mediation becomes mandatory if requested by one negotiating party.
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