Chilean copper miners strike over restructuring plans

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-14116015

Miners from Chile's state-owned company, Codelco, have gone on strike for the first time in nearly 20 years.

They are angry at restructuring plans by the government of President Sebastian Pinera, saying this will lead to cuts in jobs and benefits.

The Copper Miners' Union says the ongoing reforms are part of moves to privatise Codelco.

Production was halted at several mines across Chile, the top copper-producing country, during the 24-hour stoppage.


The strike comes amid increased global demand for copper