Business News Americas reported that Xstrata has responded to the first pay request by the union at the Altonorte copper smelter in northern Chile which offers a slight indication that we can negotiate.

Mr Lázaro Lizama union spokesperson said that Xstrata and the union are negotiating the renewal of labour contracts that will expire December 18th 2009. Although the company's pay offer is practically the same as the present contract it does offer some benefits not previously included which is a sign the union could attain a more favourable contract through talks with the company.

He added that the union expects to sit down with the company to negotiate on November 23rd 2009 after having discussed Xstrata's offer with all its members. Xstrata produced 212,173 tonnes of copper in the Q3 down 9.57% YoY. In Chile Xstrata also owns the Lomas Bayas copper mine and 44% of Collahuasi.

(Sourced from Business News Americas)