No strike for Highland Valley Copper workers after vote for new contract

Workers at Highland Valley Copper near Kamloops have voted in favour of a new contract, remaining on site for the next five years.

On Jan. 12, Teck Resources Ltd., the company that oversees the mine, said it received strike notice from the union representing workers at the company's Highland Valley Copper operations near Kamloops.

READ MORE: Union issues strike notice at Highland Valley copper mine near Kamloops

Yesterday, Jan. 21, the United Steelworkers – Local 7619 announced 81% of the Highland Valley workers voted in favour of a new five-year contract. A total of 869 workers cast their vote, while 706 workers voted for the new contract.

“The majority has spoken, time to move on.  Be proud of the significant language which will improve the lives of workers at HVC,” according to the union’s statement.

“There are great improvements that will help employees on a wide variety of issues over the next five years.”

Back pay will be provided to workers on their next few paychecks, according to the union.

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