As we reported earlier the International Association of Machinists local 1848 has given Hudbay notice that they will start strike action at 11:59 am Saturday.  They state none of their outstanding language issues have been addressed in negotiations and the wage enhancements were not what they had hoped for.

Hudbay Vice-President of the Manitoba Business Unit Rob Winton says they have taken a long hard look at their contingency plan that focuses on the health and safety of all their employees.  He says as far as the operation is concerned their contingency plans are in place and the teams are in action now with the IAM’s notice given to them.  He adds their operational plans are basically two fold, to ensure all of their employees are safe and to ensure their assets are protected and those plans will begin once the IAM set up their picket line.

  Winton says their intention is to operate as they are able to, they do not intend to shut down.