Third day for Chile copper strike
Striking workers at the world's largest copper mine in Chile broke off negotiations with management yesterday after they failed to improve a contract offer. But a spokesman for the mine's owners said talks should resume today. Output at the Escondida mine, which accounts for 8% of global production, is running at 60% of normal levels. The 2,000 miners have been on strike since Monday and are seeking a 13% wage increase and a bonus of 16m pesos ($29,400).
See "Third day for Chile copper strike", BBC News, BBC News Online, August 9, 2006