Unionised mining workers in Peru have started an indefinite strike to demand the withdrawal of a law they claim could restrict labour rights and damage job security.
The strike started at various mines in the world’s third-biggest copper, silver and tin producing country, demanding cancellation of a law passed in 2014 that promotes the use of contractors and hurts their earnings.
Go deeper with GlobalData
National mining workers federation president Ricardo Juarez said that the law eases rules for mining companies to sack workers.
The national mine workers union comprises 20,000 workers, while most miners in the country do not belong to a union.
The indefinite strike, which was approved by the union in April, also aims to stop the law that reduces benefits and workplace inspections as considered by the mining unions.
Juarez told the news agency: "The miners are tired of abuse. We want better conditions."
The strike threat is expected to have an on impact production of mining companies operating in the country.
However, according to reports the copper production at leading mines owned by Antamina, Southern Copper, Cerro Verde and Antapaccay was unaffected.
In a bid to secure foreign mining investment, Peru offers various incentives such as weakened environmental enforcement.
