Hudbay says it is ready to talk wage, pension and benefit improvements as the company and its unions work to renew now-expired contracts.
The two sides failed to come to terms before the last set of deals ran out on Jan. 1, but as has become commonplace, employees continue to work under the terms of the old contracts.
“We have complete confidence in our negotiations team and are equally confident that we will be able to successfully negotiate new collective agreements with each of our unions,” said Rob Winton, head of Hudbay’s Manitoba operations.
But the reaction from some union negotiators has not been so upbeat.
USW Local 7106, the largest Hudbay union, is inviting members to a meeting next week to discuss what it calls “Hudbay’s lack of commitment to negotiate.”
The machinists’ union, IAM Local 1848, said on its website that it wants to focus on the “record number” of grievances filed against the company in 2014.
“We believe resolution of the outstanding grievances will create an opportunity for both parties to begin negotiations in earnest,” said IAM, adding that it was encouraged to see that Hudbay views the grievance backlog as a priority.
Winton said Hudbay’s negotiating team is maintaining “a disciplined and focused approach” in bargaining.
“Every union proposal is being costed and we are assessing its impact on our flexibility to operate the business,” he said. “All decisions are being based on facts and data. We expect the unions to identify their key priorities so we can have even more meaningful discussions on the items that matter most to employees.”
As for IAM, Winton said Hudbay has offered to meet and discuss concerns over grievances with the union.
“Prior to meeting with the IAM we are not in a place to discuss what the resolution can or will be,” he said. “That said, we believe the current collective agreements are fair and balance the needs of Hudbay and the needs of our employees. We have suggested that the current collective agreement language be maintained and would like to discuss enhancements to the wage rates, pension and employee benefits.”
IAM said dates to resolve the grievances were scheduled for this Monday, Jan. 12, with no further negotiating dates set as of Dec. 16.
