Weekend strike shuts Highland Valley Copper mine near Kamloops

Operations at one of the province’s largest mines are stalled again as around 1,200 workers hit the picket line on the weekend.

Workers at Highland Valley Copper walked off the job after a unanimous vote in favour of strike action, according to the United Steelworkers union. They’ve been without a contract since Sept. 30.

“Our members sent an unmistakable message that they are united and prepared to stand up for the contract they deserve,” local 7619 president Kyle Wolff said in a news release.

The Teck mine near Logan Lake is in the middle of a two-billion-dollar extension project, slated to keep operations running until 2046. The union said there is a “strong business case” to put more funds into its skilled workforce.

The union said it wants to improve wages, pensions and staffing shortages, according to the news release.

Teck, which owns Highland Valley Copper, said operations are “continuing at a reduced capacity” during the strike. It comes months after a previous curtailment temporarily halted mining operations due to drought conditions last summer.