Rio Tinto cuts aluminium production at Kitimat aluminium smelter due to strike

Rio Tinto has cut production at its BC Works aluminium smelter in Kitimat, Canada due to a strike initiated by the Unifor Local 2301 union after negotiations failed. The output will be slashed to 35 per cent of the smelter’s 432,000 tonnes annual capacity.

Rio Tinto Aluminium managing director Atlantic Operations Samir Cairae said: “Reducing production will have a significant impact on the business and community, but we are committed to taking the necessary steps to operate safely with a reduced workforce.

“We have made every effort to reach a mutually beneficial agreement through negotiating in good faith over the past seven weeks, including proposing an independent mediator which was rejected by Unifor Local 2301.

“We will continue to look for longer term solutions with the union and work closely with customers and suppliers to minimise disruptions.”

A reduced workforce is also in place at Kemano hydro-power facility to ensure it runs safely.

The company has approximately 1,050 people at the BC Works smelter and Kemano powerhouse, including around 900 employees represented by Unifor Local 2301.