Workers ink deal at Kidd (November 07, 2005)

Members of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union have ratified a new 3-year labour contract at Falconbridge‘s (FAL.LV-T, FAL-N) Kidd Creek base metals operation near Timmins, Ont.

Slightly more than 80% of the 615 production and maintenance employees represented by CAW Local 599 at the Kidd Creek copper-zinc plant voted in favour of the new deal.

Union members had been on strike since the previous contract ended on Sept. 30.

Kidd Creek produces about 130,000 tonnes of refined copper annually and roughly 135,000 tonnes zinc. Each amount represents about 1% of global production.

Falconbridge recently posted an 81% jump in profits in the third quarter on the back of strong metals prices.

The company is involved in a friendly takeover by cross-town rival, Toronto-based Inco (N-T, N-N).

Falconbridge employs 14,500 people in 18 countries.