# BHP and Escondida Union Reach Tentative Deal Before Oct. 14 Vote

By John Kim

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/business/31804
Published: 2026-10-14T12:48:21.000Z
Updated: 2026-10-14T12:48:21.000Z
Section: Business

> Workers were scheduled to vote on the proposal Oct. 14. A rejection would start a strike Oct. 15.

BHP and the union representing supervisors and staff at Chile’s Escondida copper mine reached a preliminary agreement on a proposed collective contract, postponing a strike while workers vote on the terms.

The vote was scheduled for Oct. 14 from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m. ET (12:15 to 2:30 p.m. UTC). The vote result was not confirmed.

If workers reject the proposal, the strike is scheduled to start Oct. 15 at 7 a.m. ET (11 a.m. UTC). Escondida said the mine was operating normally during the vote.

The parties extended mandatory mediation by one day to allow time for workers to approve the proposal and formalize the agreement. The proposed contract terms had not been disclosed.

Overnight talks involving Chile’s Labor Directorate led to the preliminary agreement. Union members had voted to strike after turning down BHP’s previous offer.