Endako Mines workers join United Steelworkers

BURNABY, BC, July 22 /CNW/ - Today a group of some 260 workers was granted United Steelworkers (USW) membership by the BC Labour Relations Board. The workers, employed at the Endako Mines open pit and milling operations in northern BC, are now members of USW Local 1-424, based in Prince George.

United Steelworkers Western Canada Director Stephen Hunt welcomes the workers into the union.

"Our union looks forward to working with the new membership at Endako mines," says Hunt. "We congratulate them for taking the step to unionize and we are confident that we can work together to negotiate a good, solid first agreement with this employer."

Situated about 190 kilometres west of Prince George and about 9 kilometers southwest of the village of Endako, the mine primarily produces molybdenum, which is used in the fabrication of alloy metals, stainless steel, chemicals and lubricants and other products.

The Endako Mines operations are owned by Denver based Thompson Creek Metals Co. Inc.

Although the certification ballot was held on May 26 and 28, it took the USW nearly two months to get a decision from the labour relations board to open the ballot box.

"We thank the workers for their patience in waiting the decision to have the votes counted," says Hunt.

The USW is Canada's largest private sector union, with a strong presence in the mining sector - representing workers in copper, nickel, iron ore, coal, potash, gold, silver, lead cadmium, lime and other ore extraction operations. The union also represents mine sector workers in smelting, refining, maintenance, transportation as well as office and technical employees.

For further information: Stephen Hunt, 604.683.1117 or 604.816.2554