Strike at world’s top copper mine could last months

AFP, SANTIAGO:  Striking workers at the world’s top copper mine, BHP Billiton’s Escondida in Chile, said Friday they were prepared  to hold out for two months in their bid for higher salaries.
Workers went on strike Thursday at Escondida, causing jitters on world commodity markets.
The mine supplies five per cent of global copper output—some 927,000 metric tons (one million tons) a year—and a long strike could cause shortages.
Some 2,500 workers are picketing in shifts at a protest camp set up outside the sprawling mine complex in Chile’s Atacama desert, said the head of the miners’ union, Patricio Tapia. 
“Our spirits are high. We’re (picketing) in two shifts and demonstrating that we’re ready to hold out for two months,” he told AFP.

Strike at worlds top copper mine could last months

AFP, SANTIAGO: Striking workers at the worlds top copper mine, BHP Billitons Escondida in Chile, said Friday they were preparedto hold out for two months in their bid for higher salaries. Workers went on strike Thursday at Escondida, causing jitters on world commodity markets. The mine supplies five per cent of global copper outputsome 927,000 metric tons (one million tons) a yearand a long strike could cause shortages. Some 2,500 workers are picketing in shifts at a protest camp set up outside the sprawling mine complex in Chiles Atacama desert, said the head of the miners union, Patricio Tapia. Our spirits are high. Were (picketing) in two shiftsand demonstrating that were ready to hold out for two months, he told AFP.