Workers at the Centinela copper mine, operated by Antofagasta Plc in Chile, are preparing to strike starting Wednesday. The labor dispute arises after wage negotiations collapsed without a resolution, escalating tensions in the country known as the world's top copper producer.
The Minera Esperanza and Distrito Centinela unions announced the strike will begin at 8 a.m. local time. The unions represent over 700 employees, and the walkout follows a failed mandatory mediation session overseen by Chile's Labor Inspectorate.
The strike at Centinela adds to existing labor unrest in Chile's mining sector, which is crucial for global copper supply. The unions did not disclose further details about their demands or the company's stance, but the strike highlights the challenges faced by workers amid high copper prices.