First Quantum to Cut Work Hours at Axed Panama Copper Mine, Union Says

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  First Quantum will reduce working hours at its suspended copper mine in Panama as of next week, a leader of the mine's main labor union, UTRAMIPA, said on Tuesday.

The work schedule at Cobre Panama will shift as of Aug. 15, including overtime and Sundays getting cut, said union representative Michael Camacho.

First Quantum declined to comment.

The Canadian company was forced to shutter the mine, once one of the world's top copper sources, in November after Panama's Supreme Court declared its contract unconstitutional following protests.

About 1,200 people work at the mine, including security, administrative and maintenance roles, so the mine can be safely maintained while not actively in use.

The closure left First Quantum with financial issues that led it to undertake a series of debt restructuring measures.

The UTRAMIPA union, which represents more than 500 workers, said in a statement it opposed the reduced schedule, noting the changes were announced without warning and without explanation from management.

"We regret that the company is taking these actions against the workers," Camacho said. "Our situation is difficult."

The union requested a meeting with First Quantum to discuss the matter, he said.

Panama's recently elected President Jose Raul Mulino said last month that the government will not address issues around the mine until early next year.

Courtesy: www.reuters.com