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Hospitality workers at Red Chris gold mine issue 72-hr strike notice

UNITE HERE Local 40 says wages fall below the living wage and their benefits are unaffordable
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The Mobile Training Centre at Red Chris Mine. (Photo provided by Newcrest Mining)

Hospitality workers who serve the workforce at Red Chris copper-gold mine near the village of Iskut have issued a 72-hour strike notice to their employer, Spatsizi Remote Services, a joint venture with Sodexo.

Strike action could impact services at the Red Chris Mine site. Nearly 140 workers prepare meals for mine workers and clean staff accommodations. 

According to a press release from UNITE HERE Local 40, the workers, facing the high cost of living and challenges posed by remote work, are highlighting critical issues including wages they say fall below the living wage and unaffordable benefits. They are also demanding a retirement benefit and reasonable workload expectations.

Workers are currently in mediation with their employer. 

In a vote held last month, the workers voted 92 per cent in favour of strike action. They joined Local 40 in April this year and have been bargaining since June for their first union contract.

Located in northwestern BC’s “Golden Triangle,” the mine is owned by Newmont, one of the world’s leading gold mining companies.

Black Press Media has reached out to the company for comment.

More to come.

 



Marisca Bakker

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