Lanigan talks break off

With talks aimed at settling on a new collective agreement breaking down, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (POT-T) decided on Sunday to lock out employees represented by the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union, Local 922 at the Lanigan potash mine, 100 km east of Saskatoon.

The union served strike notice on Sept. 21, 2001 initiating a job action in the form of a ban on overtime. PCS, the world’s largest fertilizer maker, had been in a legal position to lock out employees since Sept. 28, but hoped negotiations, which began in February, would result in a new deal.

The company says it remains hopeful that talks will resume and a new agreement will be finalized as quickly as possible.

Lanigan’s human resources superintendent Lee Knafelc said, “We regret having to take this action. We want to return to the bargaining table and reach an acceptable agreement as quickly as possible for everyone’s sake.”

Lanigan is currently in a planned shutdown aimed at reducing potash inventories. During the lockout, the mine will be maintained and operated by salaried employees and management. The operation is normally manned by 330 employees.

PCS says the lockout will not affect deliveries to customers.

During 2000, Lanigan produced 1.7 million tonnes potassium chloride (KCl). Reserves stand at 1.5 billion tonnes of recoverable ore running 33% KCl. The giant operation has a capacity to mine more than 3.8 million tonnes annually

Elsewhere in Saskatchewan, new deals have been signed at PCS’ Cory and Patience Lake operations. Negotiations continue at the Rocanville and Allan operations.

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