Colombian nickel production paralysed by strike at BHP Billiton mine

[Omaha Steve]

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-23404507.htm

February 29, 2008: 02:24 PM EST

BOGOTA, Feb. 29, 2008 (Thomson Financial delivered by Newstex) -- Colombia's nickel production has been paralysed by a strike by around 3,500 workers at Anglo-Australian miner BHP Billiton (NYSE:BHP) PLC's Cerro Matoso mine, according to union sources.

Workers began striking last Wednesday in order to obtain a guarantee of work for subcontractors.

'The company only recognises 1,000 direct workers. The 2,500 others are considered as subcontractors in order not to have to recognise their basic rights,' Roger Herrera, a union official, told AFP.

Cerro Matoso produces around 55,000 tonnes of nickel per year.

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