Santiago: Striking workers employed by the world’s top copper producer were set to continue their walkout on Saturday after voting down a management offer of better wages and compensation. State-owned Codelco’s proposal, presented to three unions representing 3,200 workers who went on strike last week, would have included $20,000 bonds, salary increases and improvements in workers’ retirement plans such as increased health benefits. But workers had “rejected the final offer of the company in the regulated collective negotiations,” said Codelco, which produces nine percent of all copper globally. The company said their offer “represents the greatest effort the administration can make within the framework of regulated collective bargaining.” Local media reported 1,511 workers voted against the proposal while 1,225 voted to approve it, meaning the strike will continue.
