IAM Local 1848 and Hudbay remain further apart on a new deal than the company suggests, according to the union.
Rob Winton, head of Hudbay’s Manitoba operations, told The Reminder last week that IAM had indicated the two sides were close to resolving concerns around contractual language, but not money.
But Blair Sapergia, vice-president of IAM, said there was only “small movement” on the union’s issues with the grievance procedure and no movement around concerns about the company contracting out work.
“We are currently at an impasse with no further talks scheduled,” he said.
Sapergia said two international representatives of IAM, Ian Morland and Stan Pickthall, recently took part in conference calls with Hudbay officials to discuss ways of returning to the bargaining table.
The first call involved Hudbay’s David Garofalo, president and CEO, and Alan Hair, senior vice-president and chief operating officer, on Friday, July 10, Sapergia said, adding that a second call three days later involved Hair and Winton.
Neither call was successful.
“In the end, Hudbay’s position was that they will not return to the bargaining table to discuss monetary issues,” said Sapergia.
Sapergia said IAM members are “disheartened” by the response to the strike from Hudbay, which he said “has been disrespectful to all employees.”
He argued Hudbay would only need to spend a fraction of strike-related security costs and money from lost production to resolve the strike.
Sapergia said other Hudbay workers have told the union that safety issues around machinery and equipment are not being appropriately addressed in the absence of IAM members.
Hudbay has repeatedly stressed that safety is key as production has continued during the strike.
IAM members had been on the picket line for 80 days as of Monday.
Those who choose to picket earn $150 a week, and Sapergia did not sugarcoat the financial strain the strike has placed on members.
“Of course it’s not easy. Everyone is struggling and making do,” he said. “IAM has established a Good and Welfare Program to assist members with financial issues. The banks have been very helpful with very few complaints. They understand that we are part of this community and very good customers that they want to keep.”
Throughout the strike, IAM’s ranks have shrunk. When the job action commenced on Saturday,
May 2, the union had 180 members. Due to retirements and resignations, the number stood at 161 as of June 29.
Members are not required to walk the picket lines, but most choose to do so. Sapergia said 71 per cent of members are active on the picket line.
“Some of our members have taken other employment in and out of town to supplement their income,” he added. “This represents the largest portion of members who are not actively picketing. These are members of all ages.”
Beyond Flin Flon, Sapergia said IAM continues to picket at the Lalor mine near Snow Lake every day, but only during peak times due to the limited number of members in Snow Lake.
The union pickets Reed mine, situated between Snow Lake and Flin Flon, “on an ad hoc basis,” he said.
IAM’s members range in age from 20 to 60-plus, with about half having been with Hudbay for at least 25 years, Sapergia said.
All Hudbay unions except IAM have signed three-year deals that increase hourly wages by $4, or about $8,000 a year beginning in the third year.
IAM argues that such a raise would leave its members below industry standard. Hudbay previously countered by saying it offers competitive wages and benefits, especially when compared to mid-tier base metal mining companies.
