Brazil & Southern Cone - 12 August 2003

Workers at BHP Billiton's Escondida copper mine in Chile, the world's largest, went on strike on 8 August to protest for better employee benefits. Union workers, who comprise 80% of the 1,700-strong workforce, have been in talks since the turn of the month but they rejected an improved contract offer on 6 August.  

Workers are demanding a 3% rise and better healthcare benefits. The company has offered a 1.5% rise and improved housing and education incentives for workers and their families.  

A prolonged strike at the open-pit mine in Chile's northern Atacama desert would cut supplies of copper and bolster prices. Escondida accounted for 4.9% of global supply last year.  

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