Asarco strikers say ‘We’re still out here fighting for our rights’

By Deborah Liatos
May 18, 2020

“We’re out here at shift change at Asarco’s Pima Mine Road Mission complex to show these guys that we’re still strong. We are still fighting for our rights, fighting for our better contracts and a better future,” Alex Terrazas, a striking copper miner at the Mission Mine in Sahuarita, Arizona, and president of United Steelworkers Local 937, reported online.

Almost two dozen cars held a drive-in picket across from the Mission Mine  April 26.

Regular picket lines have been suspended for the time being at the Mission Mine, as well as at Asarco’s Silver Bell Mine in Arizona and refinery in Amarillo, Texas. Picket lines are going strong at the Ray Mine and Hayden complex in Arizona. Strike activities include a drive-in movie showing April 24 at USW Local 886 union hall in Kearny.

Steelworkers, Teamsters and five other unions are facing off against Asarco bosses, who seek to bust the unions. Asarco is owned by Grupo Mexico, one of the largest copper barons worldwide. The bosses are determined to extend a decadelong wage freeze for most workers, more than double health care costs, freeze pensions and restrict the unions’ right to protect workers on the job.

Send solidarity messages and much needed donations to USW Local 915 Strike Assistance, P.O. Box 550, Kearny, AZ 85137; USW Local 5252 Strike Assistance, P.O. Box 896, Kearny, AZ 85137; USW Local 5613, 4230 Texas Hwy 136, Amarillo, TX 79108; or via paypal.me/palfcommunityservice for Tucson-area strikers. Solidarity messages can be sent to palfchair@gmail.com. Contribute to the food pantries at: USW 915 and 886 hall, 107 Hammond Dr., Kearny; IBEW Local 570 hall, 750 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson; USW Local 5613, 4230 Texas Hwy 136, Amarillo, Texas.