HudBay Minerals mechanics likely to strike in Flin Flon, says union president

A union president in Flin Flon, Man., says he thinks a labour dispute involving the city's largest employer may result in a strike.

Almost 200 mechanics at HudBay Minerals are voting whether to strike on Monday night.

The International Association of Machinists Local 1848 says members are upset with a variety of issues from wages to pensions, to the fact that the company contracts work out to external entities.

Union president Rene Beauchamp said HudBay has advertised for replacement workers and a private security firm has been brought into town.

"I'd say our relationship is extremely strained to the breaking point," said Beauchamp. "It's pretty bad. The morale is at an all-time low and it's just getting driven into the ground here."

Beauchamp expects the workers will vote to strike.

"There hasn't been a labour dispute, I believe, in over 40 years, so it's very significant," said Beauchamp.

Despite the state of affairs, Beauchamp is still optimistic the dispute can be resolved.