“Things have gotten a little tense with the hiring of some replacement workers,” Ralph Minor, a haul truck driver and member of United Steelworkers Local 5252, which organizes 750 workers at the large Ray Mine complex, told the Militant September 24. “Morale is still good,” he added.

Minor was referring to Asarco’s September 14 decision to begin hiring replacements at its struck facilities in Arizona and Texas. The announcement came after negotiations broke down over the union’s demand for veto power over any future buyer of the company. Strikers say they walked out over unfair labor practices by Asarco. The bosses demanded concessions, including a wage freeze, cuts to pensions and health benefits, and the extension of shifts from 8 to 12 hours without overtime pay.

On strike now for almost three months, some 1,500 copper miners maintain picket lines around the clock. Most of the strikers are members of the United Steelworkers (USW). The strike also includes members of the Operating Engineers, Teamsters, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Boilermakers, and International Association of Machinists.

Since mid-September advertisements for replacement workers have appeared in the Phoenix-based Arizona Republic and the Arizona Daily Star, published in Tucson. The company claims it is running at 79 percent of pre-strike levels. The union contests the claim, saying the company built up a stockpile of copper before the strike. The reserve is now running low, the strikers said.

Asarco, the second-largest U.S. copper producer, is the main employer and source of livelihood for thousands in the region. The company filed for bankruptcy protection August 9 and has used the proceedings to stop disability pensions to 117 former employees. Many of these workers have suffered severe on-the-job injuries and can no longer work.

Out of 1,500 strikers, about 130 have crossed the picket line and returned to work. At picket lines in Kearny and Hayden, strikers are keeping track of line crossers.

There are no weekly strike benefits. The unions are working with strikers to find work, and provide financial assistance for those facing severe financial challenges. Many of the strikers have found temporary full-time work or part-time jobs to keep food on the table. Robert Manriquez, president of USW Local 5252, said the union set up a Copper Workers Strike and Defense Fund immediately after the strike began.

Since the beginning of the walkout copper prices have risen 27 cents to $1.81 per pound, as of September 23. Copper production is booming and demand for experienced copper miners is high. A shortage of skilled miners is a problem for the bosses.

Funds and solidarity letters can be sent to: Copper Workers Strike and Defense Fund, PO Box 550, Kearny, AZ 85237.  
 
 
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