Peru: MIning Federation on Strike against Cuts in Workers’ Rights

A national strike against mining companies has now completed its second day in Peru. The Federation of Steel and Metal Mine Workers declared an indefinite strike on Tuesday for the repeal of a number of labor laws and executive degrees that cut workers’ rights. One measure allows a company to fire 10% of its workers upon reporting losses, and another allows the sub-contracting of workers instead of putting them on the payroll full time. Also contested is legislation that allows companies to avoid paying job benefits by paying up to 20% of workers’ salaries in bonuses. Although all the workers have not joined in the strike, private industry may feel its effect given that 65% of the economy is dependent on primary exports, such as copper, zinc, silver and gold. Rael Mora reports from Lima for teleSUR.