‘It’s our time to stand up’: Highland Valley Copper mine workers begin strike action
(Image Credit: DriveBC)
Oct 24, 2026 | 4:46 PM
Victor Kaisar & Elora McCormack
Unionized workers at the Highland Valley Copper (HVC) mine near Logan Lake walked off the job Saturday (Oct. 24) morning after Teck Resources and the United Steelworkers Local 7619 (USW 7619) could not reach an agreement on a new contract.
The union issued 72 hour strike notice on Tuesday evening, and they were in a legal strike position as of 8:00 a.m. this morning. Pickets went up at the entrance to the mine around 11:00 a.m. Saturday.
“We have done everything we could to prevent a labour dispute,” a statement from the USW 7619 Bargaining Committee said. “[Teck’s] proposals, their record breaking profits, their share of the pot, led to continued concessions and increases that they could not land.”
“We gave them extra time that we thought, maybe for once, they would have shown us where the money was.”
The labour disruption comes about a week after USW said all 944 members who participated in the strike vote were in favour of walking off the job.
“Our members sent an unmistakable message that they are united and prepared to stand up for the contract they deserve,” Kyle Wolff, the president of the USW Local 7619, said in a statement on Wednesday.
“We have worked hard to find solutions at the bargaining table, but our members are not prepared to accept concessions or settle for an agreement that doesn’t recognize their contributions.”
Workers have been without a contract since Sept. 30 after their previous five-year contract – which was ratified following a strike vote in 2022 – expired.
In Wednesday’s statement, the union alleged that it raised serious concerns about Teck Resources’ ability to attract and retain skilled workers, particularly in the trades, noting that employees continue to leave the Logan Lake-based operation.
“Highland Valley Copper needs to be investing in the workers who keep this operation running, not asking them to give things up,” Wolff added in that statement. “Competitive wages attract skilled workers and strong pensions help keep them.”
The union noted Teck reported $854 million in second-quarter profits, as copper prices averaged US $6.05 per pound. The company is also moving ahead with a major expansion project to extend the life of the mine from 2028 to 2046.
USW said it has put forward proposals to address staffing shortages, improve wages and strengthen pensions to ensure Highland Valley Copper remains a competitive employer as B.C.’s mining industry grows.
“Our bargaining committee has brought forward real solutions to the challenges facing this operation. The company needs to take those concerns seriously and come back to the table prepared to negotiate a fair agreement,” added Wolff.
Highland Valley Copper is Canada’s largest open-pit copper mine, and it has been operational since 1962.
“We expect all 1,277 of our members to show up,” Saturday’s statement from the USW Bargaining Committee added. “We are a force to be reckoned with.”
“It’s our time to fight. It’s our time to stand up. It’s our time to show this Company that we are worth more than what they have offered.”
In a statement Saturday, Teck Resources confirmed that strike action had begun, and that operations at Highland Valley Copper were “currently continuing at a reduced capacity.”
“The impact on overall production will depend on the duration of the labour action,” the statement from Teck said. “Contingency plans are in place with the priority to maintain safety and environmental management during labour action.”
“Teck is committed to reaching a collective agreement that is fair and reasonable for employees and supports the ongoing viability of the operation.”
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