Tough talks at Cerrejon mine increase strike risk

摘要

Negotiations between Colombia’s largest coal mine, Cerrejon, and its main union have gone almost a month without a resolution, increasing the likelihood of a strike. The Sintracarbon union has refused to back off from its demands. The company says that, because of falling coal prices, it has no option other than to reduce wages and cut benefits, Sintracarbon's national vice-president Orlando Cuello said. Sintracarbon and Cerrejon completed the first 20 days of direct negotiations on 1 February and began a second phase — an additional 20 days — on 2 February. Negotiations are being held in the coastal city of Barranquilla.