Chile strike halts world's largest copper miner

[Judi Lynn]

Jul 11, 2011
Chile strike halts world's largest copper miner

SANTIAGO - UNIONISED workers at Chile's Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, announced a 24-hour strike on Monday over modernisation plans they say would amount to the start of privatisation.

The strike - the company's first in 18 years - will halt work at a state-owned mining operation that produces 11 per cent of the world's copper.

The nationwide strike will affect all company units, said Raimundo Espinoza, president of the Federation of Copper Workers (FTC), which represents some 15,000 Codelco workers.

The workers oppose modernisation plans being implemented by company officials appointed after President Sebastian Pinera, the first conservative to take office in 20 years.

More:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_689524.html

[rabs]

1. Pinera continues on a slippery slope

First it was the massive protests against HydroAysen, which a court has halted for the time being.

Then came the massive student demonstrations for comprehensive educational reforms last month. They are going to continue because most Chileans are against privatization of education at all levels.

Now CODELCO, a target for privatization, which Chileans will not tolerate.




(edit - typo)