Hudbay remains confident in its ability to negotiate a fair contract with Flin Flon-Snow Lake workers following last week’s picket by dissatisfied union members.
Following the Jan. 22 picket, Jason Donaghy of USW Local 7106 made several comments to
The Reminder.
The Reminder gave Rob Winton, head of Hudbay’s Manitoba operations, a chance to respond.
REMINDER: It was stated that the Steelworkers have two main non-monetary proposals, including a chance to improve their grievance package and for work to be completed by locals before being outsourced. Steelworker Jason Donaghy said the grievance procedure is “broken” and that it shouldn’t take a year or more for a person who was wrongfully dismissed to get his job back. Your comments on the grievance situation and outsourcing?
WINTON: We feel grievance language in our collective bargaining agreements is robust and fair to all parties. New leadership in Manitoba has taken steps to improve the grievance process and there is currently no backlog.
The process mentioned by the USW member is arbitration, which by nature is lengthier as [it] requires appointment and scheduling of an independent arbitrator. Both parties have the ability to apply for an expedited process through application to the Minister of Labour.
Hudbay opened two mines in 2014, which requires significant increases to our workforce as they ramp up production. We have committed and are actively filling these positions from our preferred local workforce, and may at times require outside labour forces to ensure we achieve our safety and production goals in 2015.
REMINDER: Donaghy said that Hudbay workers are “very low” on the industry wage scale following 15 years of a no-strike clause. Your response?
WINTON: The binding arbitration process spelled out in the amending agreement ensured wage increase[s] were consistent with industry increases during the negotiating periods that this agreement was valid. We have benchmarked our wages throughout the organization to our peers, and believe we offer fair wages with attractive benefit and bonus plans.
REMINDER: Donaghy said “no one wants a work stoppage.” Does Hudbay see this as likely either from the workers’ side or the company’s side?
WINTON: Hudbay is committed to negotiating with our seven unions from a professional- and business-focused basis, and I am confident in our negotiating team’s ability to achieve a fair agreement that benefits all of our employees.
REMINDER: Any other comments relative to bargaining?
WINTON: 2015 is an important year in Manitoba. Achieving our goals and being able to access funds to explore in the Greenstone Belt will ensure all of the stakeholders of Hudbay can enjoy a brighter future.
