Unionized workers at the Gaspe Mines division of Noranda Minerals voted recently to accept a new 3-year contract after going on strike for two weeks.
The 440 union members voted 58% in favor. The workers at the Quebec copper operation went on strike May 31. Operations resumed June 14, with the smelter returning to full capacity a few days later.
The contract calls for a wage freeze for the first year, a wage supplement based on profitability of operations for the second year, a wage increase of 30 cents per hour in the third year and improved benefits.
The underground mine and smelter operation at Murdochville, Que., which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1993, employs 548 persons. Last year it produced 68,000 tonnes copper anode and 150,000 tonnes sulphuric acid. The project’s estimated ore reserves of 5 million tonnes will be depleted by the end of 1998. Noranda is hoping to be able to prove up small-scale deposits such as the 300,000-tonne extension to C zone northwest for development. It is also counting on the introduction of new mining methods and the use of remote-control mining equipment to permit ore extraction from currently uneconomic zones.
Be the first to comment on "Gaspe workers sign contract"