Reuters reported that strikers at Chile's Spence copper mine are ready to end 35 day stoppage that has hit output if owner BHP Billiton accepts their new wage proposal.

Last week Spence union workers threatened to invade installations and block roads to the mine, accusing BHP of delaying negotiations on a new collective contract.

Mr Daniel Ibacache Union leader said that the workers gave the company an offer that we find very reasonable and that the company should accept. He declined to detail the offer but said that 560 member union was willing to lift the strike immediately if the company agreed to the new terms.

Workers downed tools on October 13th 2009 over a contract disagreement, forcing the company to lower the mine's output to a minimum. BHP has declined to say how much copper Spence is currently producing.

Workers had originally demanded a single 5.5% wage hike for the duration of the 2 year contract and USD 27,000 in bonuses per worker tied to copper prices and production.

(Sourced from Reuters)