UPDATE 2-Chile copper strike keeps two Codelco divisions shut
(Adds Teniente returns to normal, new quotes)
By Manuel Farias
SANTIAGO, April 19 (Reuters) - A strike by Chilean mining subcontractors in its fourth day and denting output will keep state-run copper powerhouse Codelco's Andina and Salvador divisions closed through the weekend, the firm said on Saturday.
Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, said its Teniente division had resumed normal operations after a brief slowdown on Saturday due to a strike by subcontracted workers who argue windfall revenues from copper prices at record highs are not trickling down to them.
But the company's Salvador and Andina divisions, which have been paralyzed since Wednesday in the latest in a series of sometimes violent protests by subcontractors, would stay shut until Monday, a company source said.
"They are still paralyzed," the source said, asking not to be identified. They will remain shut on Sunday, she added.
Subcontractors from the Confederation of Copper Workers, which groups more than 30,000 workers at state-owned Codelco, began a company-wide strike on Wednesday to demand improved working conditions and pay.
Workers scuffled with police for a third day on Friday, pelting buses with stones and erecting roadblocks. Codelco in turn lodged legal complaints accusing some subcontractors of holding its staff hostage.
Codelco closed its Andina and Salvador divisions on Wednesday, citing safety concerns, but has said it has no plans to close its Codelco Norte division, which includes giant open pit mine Chuquicamata, or its Teniente and Ventanas divisions. Continued...





