Negotiations resume to end month-long Kitimatsmelter strike

Rio Tinto and Unifor Local 2301 have agreed to resume negotiations to end a month-long strike at the B.C. Works operations on the province's north coast.

The news has come as a relief to businesses in Kitimat, which have sufferedas a result of the strike.

Around 950 workers at the Kitimat aluminum smelterand Kemano hydroelectric powerplanthave been been walking picket lines sincenegotiations broke down in July over hundreds of outstanding grievancesand a process to resolve complaints.

But in a joint statement released lateTuesday, the union and global mining giantsaid they had had"an open and frank discussion about the long-term changes needed for our smelter to be a sustainable and respectful workplace for all.

"Together we are committed to negotiating in good faith ensuring that we maintain open minds in understanding each other's concerns," the statement added.

The smelter continues to operate at 25 per centcapacityunder an essential services order granted by the B.C. Labour Relations Board.

Kitimat businesses struggling

Local businesses say the strike's economic impact goes far beyond smelter operations.

"I've been down about 30 per centof my businessbecause Iget a lot of people that come for their lunch and dinner," says Jeanette Cowan, a food truck operator.

Cowantold CBC'sDaybreak North hostCaroline de Rykthat she served a free crab lunch to workers on the picket lines to show support, but the loss ofwages is trickling down.

"If Rio Tinto doesn't go back then other restaurants and employment are going to be affected. Everyone is being impacted, right down the grocery stores," she said.

Thom Meier, general manager of 101 Industries, a contractor in Kitimat, is shifting his crews to other projects but warns a long-term strike could lead to layoffs.

"The impact is slowly being felt by us," he says, adding that the LNG Canada project in Kitimat has been filling some gaps.

"But Rio Tinto is a significant contributor andif we don't have that avenue and that additional opportunity, we may have to make difficult decisions about our existing employees," he said.

Rio Tinto says Unifor had rejected offers of an independent mediator during earlier negotiations.

As well as the grievances issue, the unionhas proposed the first changes to workers' retirement income and benefit levels in more than a decade, including moving younger workers to defined benefit from defined contribution pension plans.

If face-to-face talks scheduled inVancouver are successful, Rio Tinto and Uniforsay they will jointlydevelop a plan to return to workand ramp up to full production.