Contract workers begin violent strike at Codelco

CHILE: Approximately 28,000 workers employed by contractors and subcontractors of Codelco divisions at El Salvador, Andina, El Teniente and Ventana went on strike on the morning of Monday June 25. The day witnessed violent incidents, especially on the so-called Copper Highway that provides access to the El Teniente Division, where workers blocked access to the mine by burning tyres and erecting barricades, as well as setting fire to buses. These were the most violent clashes in recent times at the state mining company. Twenty-one contract workers employed at the Chuquicamata and Radomiro Tomic mines were detained. At least 50 other workers were detained after disturbances around the El Teniente mine. Codelco's El Teniente Division said the demonstrations caused losses of $8 million. It said it will take legal action against those responsible for the damage. The government described the clashes as criminal. The workers are demanding an end to differences in employment conditions between themselves and other workers on the Codelco payroll. They want the same production-related bonuses, which can total as much as $2.4 million per year. They are also demanding compliance with the Law on Subcontracting. The workers' trade union central, the Central Única de Trabajadores, gave full support to the contract workers and announced that the strike is aimed at forcing the state copper company to the negotiating table. Contract workers want to go on the Codelco payroll, recognition of the principle of "equal pay for equal work", improved working conditions, the genuine application of the Law on Subcontracting and the payment of a bonus in recognition of their strategic contribution to the company. Cristián Cuevas, spokesperson for the National Confederation of Subcontracted Codelco Workers (Confederación Nacional de Trabajadores Contratistas de Codelco) was adamant that four of the company's five divisions had been severely affected by the strike. The president of the Confederation of Copper Workers told the daily newspaper, La Tercera: "We cannot have this level of violence. Instead of promoting cohesion, it provokes rejection. This type of action removes the legitimacy of workers' right to take action." He said that the government and Codelco should adopt a clearer position on the Law on Subcontracting. "We have been asking for more than five months for a statement on this issue but there has been no response," he said.