Teck Resources Limited workers voted to strike at the Highland Valley copper mine in British Columbia unless the miner agrees to their contract demands.

Mr Richard Boyce the president of the union's local 7619 said that members of the United Steelworkers gave the union a 99.5% strike mandate less than a week before their contract is due to expire on September 30th 2011.

Mr Boyce said that we were overwhelmed by the level of support. About 500 of our 1,100 members started working at the mine since our last contract in 2006. Workers at the Highland Valley operation are seeking improved wages, pensions and other benefits.

He said that essentially the issues are money, money, money and more money. Talks with the company are scheduled to resume on September 28th 2011. Teck has requested a mediator attend the meeting.

(Sourced from www.vancouversun.com)