Strike shuts down Chile's leading copper mine

A strike paralyzed operations at Chile's leading copper mine for a second day on Friday, after talks with the union failed to produce any results.

The work stoppage by some 2,500 workers at the Minera Escondida of Chile, the world's top copper producing country, began early Thursday over demands for a wage hike, a bonus payment, and other benefits.

The mine, one of the world's largest, is controlled by the majority share holder, the Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton, which said only 80 executives will remain in place to handle pressing affairs.

According to local media, miners are demanding a 7-percent wage increase as well as 25 million pesos (39,000 U.S. dollars) to end the strike.

The company has refused a wage hike and offered 8 million pesos (12,000 dollars).

The union said in a statement that talks failed because the company maintained "its position of differentiating between old and future employees."

"The union maintains it cannot agree to an illegal and unconstitutional discrimination," the statement said, accusing the company of "trying to cut our benefits."

"We are convinced that the blame for the failure of the talks lies with the company, which is trying to take away hard-won union rights in order to maximize profits in the long term for the owners of Minera Escondida," the union said.

Miners indicated they will stand their ground, saying "we will begin the most important union struggle in our country's recent history."

Mining Minister Aurora Williams said the strike could impact the price of copper.

Minera Escondida, located in the Atacama desert in northern Chile, produces about 1 million tons of copper each year. Endit