Union issues 72-hour strike notice for Teck copper mine in B.C.

KAMLOOPS — The union representing some 1,200 workers at a Teck Resources Ltd. copper mine in the British Columbia Interior has served a 72-hour strike notice.

United Steelworkers Local 7619 says the notice follows unsuccessful negotiations to reach a fair collective agreement with the operator of the Highland Valley Copper site near Logan Lake, B.C.

The union says it has raised concerns about Teck’s ability to attract and retain skilled workers, particularly in the trades.

It says it put forward proposals to address staffing shortages, improve wages and strengthen pensions to ensure the mine is a competitive employer in B.C.’s growing mining industry.