The root of the dispute lies in the fact that, for some reason, miners belonging to a different union receive higher wages for identical tasks, a situation they view as discriminatory.

  After a formal request was submitted, Antofagasta Minerals—the company managing the Luksic Group’s interests in this sector—refused to make the requested adjustments, prompting the call for a strike.

  Last year, the company reported production of 240,400 tons of copper, as well as significant by-products of gold, silver, and molybdenum.

  A prolonged dispute would result in substantial losses, particularly at a time when copper prices are at record highs in international markets.

  However, despite strong support for the strike, there are still legal procedures to be completed.

  Under labor laws, once the union rank-and-file approves a stoppage, either party has four calendar days to request the intervention of the Labor Directorate.

  Once the request is accepted, a mandatory, non-waivable five-business-day negotiation period begins; if progress is made but satisfactory results are not reached, an additional extension of the same duration may be requested.

  If these stages fail to yield an agreement, the work stoppage may then proceed.

jdt/otf/car/eam