Union: Workers At Chile's Centinela Mine In Antofagasta Reject Contract Offer

(Adds details on strike and result of the vote) By Fabian Cambero SANTIAGO, Sept 28 (Reuters) — Workers from two unions at Antofagasta Minerals' Centinela copper mine in northern Chile rejected on Monday the company's collective contract offer, paving the way for a strike. The company and unions must now undergo a mandatory five-day government-led mediation process, which can be extended for another five days by mutual agreement, before a strike can legally begin 98.73% of unions members voted in favor of a strike, with all eligible members participating in the vote The Minera Esperanza and Distrito Centinela unions had urged their members to reject the offer, complaining that Antofagasta Minerals has refused to discuss equalizing benefits for workers regardless of union affiliation Antofagasta Minerals does not comment on its collective bargaining negotiations Centinela produced 240,400 metric tons of copper in 2025 (Reporting by Fabián Cambero; Writing by Paolo Laudani; Editing by Gabriel Araujo) ((Paolo.Laudani@thomsonreuters.com;)