Negotiations between BHP and unionized supervisors at its Escondida copper mine in Chile remain at a standstill. Both parties report being far from an agreement. BHP faces a September 23 deadline to present an offer. This precedes a mandatory government mediation period.
Key points of contention include a BHP proposal for supervisors to take on operational roles. The company also proposes a 14-day on, 14-day off work schedule. The union rejects this schedule change. Union leadership states a strike vote would likely succeed if BHP's offer is unsatisfactory. If workers reject the offer, a government-led mediation will follow. This mediation will last five to ten days. It represents the final step before a legal strike.