Chile miner Antofagasta, union begin mediation to avoid strike

Chilean copper mining company Antofagasta and workers at its Centinela mine on Tuesday began a government mediation process after contract talks failed, a last resort before the union could go on strike. The nearly 400 employees represented by a Centinela workers union last month overwhelmingly rejected a contract proposal from Antofagasta, causing the company to request mediation from the Chilean government. The union is looking to make up for lower production-linked bonuses and to improve working conditions, according to union leader Luis Redlich.