More Than 1,200 Workers Strike at B.C.'s Largest Open-Pit Copper Mine Amid Contract Dispute
Sarah Desjardins
10/26/20264 min read
More than 1,200 unionized workers at British Columbia's Highland Valley Copper mine walked off the job on Saturday, October 24, after contract negotiations between Teck Resources Limited and United Steelworkers Local 7619 failed to reach an agreement.
The labour disruption has reduced operations at Canada's largest open-pit copper mine, located near Logan Lake, approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Kamloops.
Teck confirmed that production activities were continuing at a reduced capacity and that contingency measures had been implemented to maintain safety and environmental management during the strike.
The walkout follows weeks of increasingly difficult negotiations over wages, pension benefits, skilled-worker retention and workplace conditions.
United Steelworkers Local 7619 represents employees working in several departments at the mine, including trades, equipment operations, analytical services, metallurgy, warehousing and janitorial services.
Union president Kyle Wolff said the strike reflects mounting frustration among employees who believe longstanding concerns have not been adequately addressed by management.
The union has indicated that workers are prepared to continue the labour action until meaningful progress is made at the bargaining table.
Workers Vote Unanimously in Favour of Strike Action
The strike follows a strong mandate from union members, with all 944 workers who participated in a strike authorization vote supporting job action.
The result represented unanimous support among those who voted, although not every member of the bargaining unit participated.
Following the vote, United Steelworkers Local 7619 issued a formal 72-hour strike notice to Teck on October 20.
The union said it remained willing to negotiate during the notice period in hopes of reaching an agreement without interrupting operations.
However, negotiations failed to produce a settlement.
According to the union, Teck presented a revised financial proposal and withdrew one concession during the discussions, but several other disputed provisions remained unresolved.
Union representatives said the company's offer continued to fall short of members' expectations.
Wolff described the overwhelming strike vote as an indication of the level of frustration among workers.
He said approximately 350 to 400 employees participated in picketing activities on the first day, with additional demonstrations planned for Monday.
The union has organized picket lines and says its members are prepared for a prolonged dispute if negotiations do not advance.
Wages, Pensions and Skilled-Worker Shortages at Centre of Dispute
A major concern raised by the union involves the mine's ability to attract and retain qualified tradespeople.
Union representatives say Highland Valley Copper is facing increasing competition for skilled workers from other mines and businesses operating throughout British Columbia.
The mining sector's expansion has created demand for experienced tradespeople, placing additional pressure on existing employers to maintain competitive compensation packages.
Wolff said the operation has experienced difficulties recruiting pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, heating and ventilation technicians and other specialized workers.
According to the union, these shortages have contributed to concerns about staffing stability and the mine's long-term operational capacity.
The bargaining committee has proposed improvements to wages, pensions and benefits, arguing that stronger compensation would help prevent employees from leaving for competing opportunities.
The union maintains that addressing these issues is particularly important as Teck advances plans to extend the mine's operating life by two decades.
Beyond compensation, workers have also raised concerns about workplace safety and unresolved matters involving bullying and harassment.
Wolff referred to concerns previously documented in a provincial mining ministry report, arguing that the issues remain important subjects in negotiations.
The union says a new collective agreement must address both financial compensation and the broader conditions employees experience at the worksite.
Teck Continues Operations at Reduced Capacity
Despite the strike, Teck Resources has maintained limited operations at Highland Valley Copper.
In a statement issued October 24, the Vancouver-based mining company confirmed that the work stoppage had begun and that contingency plans were in effect.
The company said its immediate priorities included maintaining workplace safety and environmental management throughout the disruption.
Teck also acknowledged that the effect on overall production would depend on how long the strike continues.
The company has not publicly quantified the reduction in copper output resulting from the walkout.
In its statement, Teck reiterated its commitment to negotiating a collective agreement that provides fair terms for employees while supporting the long-term viability of the mining operation.
The company's position differs from that of the union, which argues that improved compensation and stronger employee protections are necessary to address ongoing workforce challenges.
The previous collective agreement expired on September 30, 2026, leaving the parties negotiating new employment terms.
The timing of the strike is significant given Highland Valley Copper's role as one of Canada's major copper-producing operations and a substantial employer in the Thompson-Nicola region.
Strike Comes During Multibillion-Dollar Mine Expansion
The labour dispute is unfolding as Teck advances a major expansion designed to extend operations at Highland Valley Copper until 2046.
The Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension project, estimated to cost between $2.1 billion and $2.4 billion, is intended to sustain production at the site for approximately two additional decades.
The project represents a significant long-term investment in British Columbia's mining industry and the regional economy.
It is also central to the union's argument that Teck must improve its ability to recruit and retain skilled employees.
Union representatives say the planned extension will require a stable and experienced workforce capable of supporting mining operations, maintenance and related activities for years to come.
They argue that competitive wages, pensions and benefits are essential to meeting those requirements.
Copper is an important material used in electrical infrastructure, renewable energy systems, transportation and other industrial applications.
As demand for copper continues to be supported by electrification and infrastructure development, major Canadian mining operations remain important to domestic and international supply chains.
However, the immediate effect of the strike on production volumes and delivery commitments remains uncertain.
Union Warns of Prolonged Labour Disruption
With workers maintaining picket lines and no agreement announced, the dispute remains unresolved.
The union has emphasized that it remains prepared to return to negotiations but expects the company to respond meaningfully to outstanding concerns.
Wolff said members are organized and prepared to sustain the strike if necessary.
He warned that negotiations could remain difficult unless the company addresses the issues workers have identified.
For Teck, the challenge involves balancing employee demands with operational costs and the financial requirements of maintaining and extending the mine.
For union members, the immediate priorities remain improved compensation, retention of skilled workers and stronger attention to workplace conditions.
The consequences of a prolonged stoppage could extend beyond the mine, given the operation's importance to employment and economic activity in the surrounding region.
Both parties have expressed a willingness to reach a collective agreement, but significant differences remain over what its terms should include.
As the strike continues, the duration of the disruption and its effect on production will depend on whether Teck and United Steelworkers Local 7619 can resolve their outstanding differences and reach a negotiated settlement.
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