Codelco avoids strike action by installing leisure facilities

This weekend at Codelco, Chile. Workers enjoying a sail

A novel approach to worker/management relations seems to be paying off for Codelco. In a new initiative, Codelco has bought some 20 two man sailing dinghies for its massive Chuquicamata copper mine in Chile. The small boats are now available for workers to sail on its large tailings pond, which also makes use of the otherwise redundant space at the mineworks. Management has also constructed a special jetty to moor the boats and provide easier access.

Union leader Santiago Burgos said (translated), "It's a nice thought from our managers, and certainly has helped to make the mine a better atmosphere. All my colleagues like taking a boat out for a hour, especially after their shift ends. It helps us relax."

Otto sez: A great idea that is helping everyone. We need more lateral thinking in the copper mining industry.