United Steelworkers Local 480 says discussions with Teck Resources have been “positive” following news of the company’s impending merger with Anglo American.
Union president Chris Walker and Ron McKenzie, chair of the union’s office and technical workers unit, said in a Tuesday Facebook post that Teck officials assured them there will be no changes to collective agreements, benefits or pensions, and no plans to reduce the workforce at Trail Operations or other sites.
The union met with company representatives late Tuesday, hours after the merger was announced.
District 3 director Scott Lunny also held discussions with Teck’s corporate office about the broader effects on Steelworkers locals across B.C.
Walker said Teck executives told the union that Trail Operations and Highland Valley Copper remain core to its long-term strategy, with a commitment to invest $4.5 billion across Canadian operations over the next five years.
Of that, Walker said $750 million is earmarked for Trail, focusing on critical mineral projects including germanium and antimony production and preparing for future feed changes.
Matt Parrilla, Teck’s vice-president of base metals, said the merger would strengthen the company and help complete ongoing projects in Trail.
Teck CEO Jonathan Price also underscored the importance of Trail Operations, calling the deal “a natural progression” of the company’s strategy during remarks Monday.
Teck Resources Limited announced on Sept. 8 that it had reached an agreement to merge with Anglo American and form a new company, Anglo Teck.
The merged company will be headquartered in Vancouver, with significant business leadership roles in South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Anglo American, currently based in London, will see its CEO, Duncan Wanblad, relocate to Vancouver to head the new company.
While the boards of each firm unanimously approved the merger, the deal still requires shareholder and regulatory approval — a process expected to take 12 to 18 months.
If approved, Anglo shareholders will own about 62.4 per cent of the new company, while Teck shareholders will hold 37.6 per cent, on a fully diluted basis.
Local 480 said it will continue to fight for workers’ rights, secure a fair share of profits, and ensure Trail Operations’ long-term success as a provider of “well-paid, community-sustaining union jobs.”
“While we can’t predict the future or guarantee that every promise will be kept, at this moment it appears Trail Operations and its unionized workforce may be in an even stronger position than before,” the union said in a statement.
