Talks continue between Glencore, Mine Mill as strike deadline nears

Negotiations are ongoing between Glencore in Sudbury and Mine Mill Local 598, the company said Thursday – a day before the union's collective agreement expires.

Contract talks are ongoing between Glencore in Sudbury and Mine Mill Local 598, the company said Thursday, a day before the union’s collective agreement expires.

Glencore spokesperson Yonaniko Grenon told CTV News that the company and representatives from UNIFOR Local 598 Sudbury Mine, Mill, and Smelter Workers Union “have entered negotiations to renew their Collective Agreement, which expires at midnight on Jan. 31.”

“There is not much we could share at this time other than the negotiation process is still continuing, and that we remain committed to successfully renewing the agreement with the union,” Grenon said in an email Thursday.

A strike mandate was approved by 97.6 per cent of union members earlier this month, meaning a strike could begin this weekend if no agreement is reached.

The union represents 679 workers at Glencore’s Sudbury operations.

The union has not yet responded to a message from CTV News Northern Ontario seeking comment on the talks.