Hudbay machinists reverted to shorter shifts over the weekend as their union and the company prepared for mediation to resolve outstanding differences.
Hudbay confirmed that members of IAM Local 1848 made the decision to switch from 12-hour shifts to eight-hour shifts effective midnight on Sunday, Sept. 7.
Since Hudbay prefers 12-hour shifts – indeed the company said it will put machinists back on the longer shifts if IAM so requests – the move was meant to give machinists a bargaining chip in resolving unsettled grievances.
Scott Brubacher, director of corporate communications for Hudbay, said the company has heard the grievances and agreed to have an appointed mediator hear them again this week.
Some Hudbay employees worried how the eight-hour shifts would impact operations in Snow Lake, which are heavily dependent on commuting workers accustomed to a “days in, days out” schedule.
But Brubacher said “shift schedules were developed in each area and ensure safe and steady operation of our operating areas.”
With the mediation process to begin today, IAM, which has roughly 180 members working in Flin Flon and Snow Lake, declined to comment for this article.
IAM had initially planned to revert to eight-hour shifts on June 1 but delayed the move until Sept. 7 so members could maintain their usual schedule throughout summer.
Brubacher said the union’s decision to forego 12-hour shifts “impacts our employees and their families.” He confirmed the company will reinstate the longer shifts if IAM is willing.
IAM is the only union at the company to shorten its members’ shifts.
The union and Hudbay agreed years ago that they both prefer 12-hour shifts, but both sides have the contractual right to reinstate eight-hour shifts.
