The president of the United Steelworkers Local 7619, representing 1,200 workers at the Highland Valley Copper mine near Logan Lake, B.C., expressed his lack of surprise at the recent findings of a provincial investigation. The report, conducted by the Office of the Chief Inspectors of Mines, highlighted safety concerns, instances of bullying, harassment, and discrimination reported by 271 employees involved in the investigation at the mine site.
Kyle Wolff, the union president, emphasized longstanding issues at the mine, including inadequate training, equipment shortages, delays in addressing safety concerns, and inappropriate behavior. He disclosed that in 2025, the mine, situated 50 kilometers southwest of Kamloops, experienced 40 hazardous incidents, raising concerns about the potential for a fatal accident if corrective actions are not implemented.
The investigation flagged escalating tensions between union leaders and management, noting that while supervisors exhibited a commitment to safety, they faced challenges due to production pressures and limited follow-through. Despite the report’s release a month ago, little progress has been made in addressing the identified issues and fostering a positive workplace culture, as per the union’s feedback.
Teck, the company that owns the mine, responded to the report, stating that they are taking its findings seriously. They mentioned ongoing collaboration with the United Steelworkers, facilitated by Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers since July, to enhance health and safety practices and workplace atmosphere at the Highland Valley Copper mine. The company affirmed its commitment to addressing the report’s recommendations and enhancing cooperation for overall improvement.
