Hecla to implement parts of rejected contract

Here...we...go.

After 10 months and 10 days of standstill negotiations, Hecla Mining Co. and the Lucky Friday Miners are officially at an impasse.

Hecla’s Vice President of External Affairs, Luke Russell, announced Friday night the company has sent a letter of intent to the United Steelworkers (USW) local 5114 chapter saying it will implement portions of their proposed “last, best, and final” offer on Monday.

This proposed offer was unanimously rejected by the Lucky Friday miners on Feb. 18 when they voted it down — 222 votes against, zero in favor.

With the news of implementation, Union President Phil Epler has called for a strike vote.

Although Epler does not have the authority to order a strike (that decision is left to the miners), he has said on previous occasions the outcome of a strike vote would be fairly predictable.

“If they implement,” Epler said, “I have the utmost confidence that [the strike vote] will go the same way this one went (referring to results of the vote rejecting the “last, best, and final”). A simple majority of 50 percent plus one vote is needed to authorize the strike.

Russell explained why Hecla is choosing to implement its plan.

“Hecla advised the USW 5114 local today that after 27 bargaining sessions it was clear the parties were at an impasse and further negotiation would not be productive,” Russell said. “Thus, the company will implement portions of its last and best offer beginning Monday, March 13.”

Foreshadowing a strike at the mine, Russell also stressed the company is in it for the long haul.

“The Lucky Friday Mine is one of our highest-cost mines and the changes we are making are competitive and important for the future of the mine. With the completion of the No. 4 shaft, great silver resources there and the strong company balance sheet, we can be patient to ensure the mine will be stronger for the long-term.”

From the outside observer’s perspective, Hecla's decision and the probable strike will not come as a surprise to many.

Since the miners rejected the “last, best, and final” over several disagreements including the silver premium trigger, overtime, the replacement of the current bid system for jobs, medical premiums, recall rights, and vacation days; Hecla was not left with many options.

Essentially, the company had the choice to either return to the negotiation table or implement the rejected contract.

Epler said Hecla's decision is “unfortunate.” 

“I just think that there is plenty of room to bargain,” he added.

The entire saga began in May of 2016 when the labor contract between the two parties expired and no clear solution was seen.

When an initial agreement could not be reached, representatives from both sides met more than two-dozen times to find a compromise. A federal mediator was even called in to assist with the talks in June, but that also yielded no solution.

With many hours spent talking and little common ground found, it seemed a strike was inevitable.

Well, we are all about to find out.

The Lucky Friday miners will convene in the Mullan Pavilion on Sunday to vote and decide their future.