Some 2000 workers at the world’s largest copper mine — Escondida, majority-owned by Australian mining giant BHP Billiton — have been on strike since August 7 to demand a 13% pay rise. BHP Billiton, despite increased profits from high copper prices, is offering just 3%. Copper prices have increased fivefold since workers negotiated their last wage agreement three years ago. After strikers camped at the mine’s sports complex clashed with police on August 8, they took to the streets of Antogagasta in protest, cancelling planned negotiations with the company. Some 300 scabs were brought in to work at the mine — which produces 8% of global copper output — during the strike, yet production was dramatically reduced. Unionists said their strike derived inspiration from the 1 million students who went on strike and successfully demonstrated in demand of increased education funding in June.

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