“Praying for those parties representing both the union and [Hudbay] in these negotiations that we be respectful and mindful of the many that will be affected by your decisions.”
That comment, posted on Facebook in response to an online Reminder article about IAM Local 1848’s decision to strike, sums up how many residents feel.
Absolutely no one wanted this outcome, but given the bargaining-table gulf between IAM and Hudbay, it comes as little surprise.
Bit by bit, the writing has appeared on the wall.
First came IAM members’ overwhelming support of strike action in March. Then came the union’s strong rejection of Hudbay’s final offer a little over a month later.
By then online ads had surfaced seeking replacement workers – underground heavy-duty mechanics for a potential temporary work stoppage – in northern Manitoba.
For IAM, there was no doubt Hudbay was behind the ads, and there did not appear to be other mines in northern Manitoba in need of such help.
A last-ditch conciliation session this past Monday night (and into Tuesday morning) failed to produce an agreement. There was, it appeared, nothing more to say.
Now IAM members – mainly mechanics, machinists and pipefitters – are scheduled to begin job action tomorrow at 11:59 am.
Implications
The dispute involves fewer than 200 of Hudbay’s 1,460 northern Manitoba employees, but the implications are broader than they may appear at first glance.
Before the strike was announced, some non-IAM workers at Hudbay informed The Reminder they were told they would be expected to cross the picket line.
Hudbay has now confirmed that to be the case, saying it will ensure safe passage of employees through the picket line.
This is a very touchy situation, of course, with the unfortunate potential to divide not only coworkers, but also friends. How all sides handle this aspect of the work stoppage remains to be seen.
Given that I have been following this story as it has unfolded, people have asked me to speculate as to how long this strike will last.
I, of course, have no idea. Only the negotiators on both sides know how much flexibility, if any, remains in their positions.
As I have written before, the wild card here is how negotiations with Hudbay’s six other unions proceed. At this point, that looks unpredictable, as the largest union, USW 7106, was in conciliation this week.
IAM’s job action marks the first mine strike in Flin Flon-Snow Lake since 1971, and only the third strike in the history of HBM&S / Hudbay.
At this point, there is only one thing that all of us can agree on (and forgive me if this sounds clichéd): the hope that this strike will be short-lived.
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On a lighter note, after going four for eight in my first-round NHL playoff predictions (I got Montreal, New York Rangers, Washington Capitals and Minnesota right, the rest wrong), I’m hoping for greater success in round two.
I humbly forecast that Montreal will down Tampa Bay in seven, the Rangers will dispose of the Caps in six, the Wild will best the Blackhawks in six and the Flames will outlast the Ducks in seven.
Local Angle runs Fridays.
