Reuters reported that Peru national federation of mine workers would hold a national walkout October 19th to 20th to demand better benefits in a country that is one of the world's top minerals exporters.

The federation said it was frustrated that President Mr Alan Garcia rejected a law initially passed by Congress to lower the age for retirement. Workers also want Congress to throw out a rule that limits the amount they can earn from profits that are distributed to them by companies.

The last time miner across the country downed tools was in mid 2008 and the strike helped push copper prices towards a record high.

A union leader told Reuters that all 1,200 workers at the mine had joined the labor action.

(Sourced from Reuters)