Unifor Local 3018, representing 550 workers at the Gibraltar copper-molybdenum mine in British Columbia, has overwhelmingly approved a strike mandate, with 98% of its members supporting potential strike action should ongoing negotiations fail to produce a fair settlement by May 2024.
The vote underscores significant labour tensions at Canada’s second-largest open-pit copper mine, located north of Williams Lake and a major employer in the Cariboo region.
Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor’s Western Regional Director, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The employer’s bargaining committee must get serious about resolving key outstanding issues if it wants to avoid strike action.” This statement underscores the union’s resolve as negotiations continue to address pivotal demands.
Central to the dispute are the union’s calls for wage increases and the recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday, alongside provisions for Leave for Traditional Aboriginal Practices as outlined in the federal labour code. These issues reflect broader societal and cultural recognitions impacting labour negotiations.
Negotiations between Taseko Mines Ltd., which operates the Gibraltar site, and Unifor began in February 2024. From the outset, union members highlighted wages, safety improvements, and equitable workplace accountability as their top priorities. Talks are set to continue this week in Williams Lake, with additional meetings scheduled for the end of May if needed, leading up to the current collective agreement’s expiration on May 31.