BC Works (Kitimat) smelter reduces production following strike
Retrieved on:
Monday, July 26, 2021
Rio Tinto has begun reducing production at its BC Works aluminium smelter in Kitimat, Canada due to a strike initiated by the Unifor Local 2301 union after negotiations failed to reach a new collective labour agreement.
Key Points:
- Rio Tinto has begun reducing production at its BC Works aluminium smelter in Kitimat, Canada due to a strike initiated by the Unifor Local 2301 union after negotiations failed to reach a new collective labour agreement.
- Production will be reduced to around 35 per cent of the smelters 432,000 tonne annual capacity, so that it can safely be operated by staff and employees required under an essential services order granted by the BC Labour Relations Board.
- A reduced workforce is also in place to ensure the Kemano hydro-power facility continues to run safely.
- Rio Tinto employs approximately 1,050 people at the BC Works smelter and Kemano powerhouse, including around 900 employees represented by Unifor Local 2301.