‘It’s our time to stand up’: Highland Valley Copper mine workers begin strike action

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

The strike comes about a week after USW said 100 per cent the of 944 members who voted were in favour of walking off the job.

Week in Review

Week in Review: Week of October 19, 2026

3h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: NDP's disregard for BC Interior election races doesn't serve anyone well

Oct 23, 2026

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: October 23, 2026

Oct 23, 2026

“Our members sent an unmistakable message that they are united and prepared to stand up for the contract they deserve,” Kyle Wolff, the president of the USW Local 7619, said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We have worked hard to find solutions at the bargaining table, but our members are not prepared to accept concessions or settle for an agreement that doesn’t recognize their contributions.”

Workers have been without a contract since Sept. 30 after their previous five-year contract – which was ratified following a strike vote in 2022 – expired.

In Wednesday’s statement, the union alleged that it raised serious concerns about Teck Resources’ ability to attract and retain skilled workers, particularly in the trades, noting that employees continue to leave the Logan Lake-based operation.

“Highland Valley Copper needs to be investing in the workers who keep this operation running, not asking them to give things up,” Wolff added in that statement. “Competitive wages attract skilled workers and strong pensions help keep them.”

The union noted Teck reported $854 million in second-quarter profits, as copper prices averaged US $6.05 per pound. The company is also moving ahead with a major expansion project to extend the life of the mine from 2028 to 2046.

USW said it has put forward proposals to address staffing shortages, improve wages and strengthen pensions to ensure Highland Valley Copper remains a competitive employer as B.C.’s mining industry grows.

“Our bargaining committee has brought forward real solutions to the challenges facing this operation. The company needs to take those concerns seriously and come back to the table prepared to negotiate a fair agreement,” added Wolff.

Highland Valley Copper is Canada’s largest open-pit copper mine, and has been operational since 1962.

“We expect all 1277 of our members to show up,” Saturday’s statement from the USW Bargaining Committee added. “We are a force to be reckoned with.”

“It’s our time to fight. It’s our time to stand up. It’s our time to show this Company that we are worth more than what they have offered.”