A strike initiated over failed negotiations for a new collective labour agreement saw Rio Tinto begin reducing production at its BC Works aluminium smelter in Kitimat, Canada.
Rio Tinto said it would reduce production to around 35% of the smelter’s 432,000 tonne annual capacity, so that it can safely be operated by staff and employees required under an essential services order granted by the BC Labour Relations Board.
It said a reduced workforce was also in place ‘to ensure the Kemano hydro-power facility continues to run safely’.
The strike was initiated by the Unifor Local 2301 union, which represents around 900 of the approximately 1,050 people working at the BC Works smelter and Kemano powerhouse.
“Reducing production will have a significant impact on the business and community, but we are committed to taking the necessary steps to operate safely with a reduced workforce,” said Rio Tinto Aluminium managing director Atlantic Operations Samir Cairae.
“We have made every effort to reach a mutually beneficial agreement through negotiating in good faith over the past seven weeks, including proposing an independent mediator which was rejected by Unifor Local 2301.
“We will continue to look for longer term solutions with the union and work closely with customers and suppliers to minimise disruptions.”
Image credit: https://www.riotinto.com/operations/canada/bc-works
