Peru mining unions plan strike ahead of Presidential run-off

[Judi Lynn]

Peru mining unions plan strike ahead of Presidential run-off
Peru's federation of mining unions is calling an indefinite strike from May 30th. Demands include the reopening of the La Oroya smelter.
Posted: Saturday , 21 May 2011

LIMA (Reuters) -

Peru's federation of mining unions said Friday it plans to hold a nationwide strike starting on May 30, just days before the June 5 presidential run-off vote, to pressure the government to improve benefits.

Workers want Congress to lift caps on profit-sharing paid by companies, lower the retirement age, and find a way to reopen the vast La Oroya smelter, which has been shut for nearly two years, said Luis Castillo, the head of the federation.

"We will turn in the plans to strike to the labor ministry today (Friday) at 4 p.m.," Castillo told Reuters.

Workers at the Ucucchacua silver mine, owned by Buenaventura (BVN.N), Peru's largest precious metals miner, had agreed to the strike, union leader Segundino Romero said.

"We have approved the start of the indefinite strike because Congress has not resolved the issue of retirement for miners," said Romero. "It's unfortunate that the government does not hear our requests."

More:
http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page504?oid=127617&sn=Detail