First Quantum Minerals’ Minera Panama and the workers union Utramipa reached an agreement to avoid a planned strike at its Cobre Panama copper mine, reported Reuters.
The news agency said Utramipa had threatened to stop work alleging an impasse in negotiation with the directors of Minera Panama over profit sharing and wage increases.
Minera Panama confirmed in a September 9 statement that it had reached a deal with the workers. “This agreement has been possible thanks to the collaboration, open dialogue and shared commitment to the collective wellbeing of our collaborators.”
Union leader Michael Camacho told Reuters that a salary increase had been agreed upon, but did not specify the amount, as well as several bonuses and improvements in retirement benefits.
Cobre Panama, a huge open-pit copper project located in the Panama jungle, is First Quantum’s flagship operation.
Source: Reuters