The agreement covers contractors and subcontractors and includes additional compensation for work at high altitude.
By Panorama Minero
Vicuña and the Construction Workers’ Union of the Argentine Republic (UOCRA) signed a framework agreement establishing the labor conditions to be applied by construction contractors and subcontractors providing services at the project located in the Andes.
The agreement takes into account the particular characteristics of work carried out at high altitude and establishes additional benefits and compensation for workers, supplementing the conditions set out in the sector’s current collective bargaining agreement.
The main provisions include additional compensation associated with the geographical conditions of high-altitude work and compensation related to the work schedules or rosters implemented at the project. In this way, the agreement establishes a common framework for contractors and subcontractors involved in the project’s different stages of development.
The agreement also addresses the particular conditions of work carried out at more than 4,000 metres above sea level, taking into account the specific demands of this type of environment.
Local Training and Skills Development
The agreement builds on the work that Vicuña and UOCRA have been carrying out in the areas of workforce training and labor conditions. Recently, the company signed another agreement with the UOCRA Foundation to implement training programs in San Juan focused on heavy machinery operation and specialized trades.
The document was signed by Ron Hochstein, CEO of Vicuña; José Morea, Country Director for Argentina; and Gerardo Martínez, Secretary General of UOCRA.
“A project of this scale requires us to work from the outset with those who will be part of its development. This agreement allows us to do so on the basis of dialogue, clear rules and appropriate working conditions, particularly given the demanding high-altitude environment. In addition, the focus on providing training opportunities together with the UOCRA Foundation is an important part of Vicuña’s Sustainability Strategy,” Hochstein said.
The signing provides continuity to the joint work between Vicuña and UOCRA at the national level and in San Juan, at a time when the project’s development is increasing needs related to training, employment and high-altitude working conditions.
About Vicuña
Vicuña Corp. is a joint venture between BHP and Lundin Mining for the development of Josemaría, in San Juan Province, and Filo del Sol, a copper, gold and silver deposit located between San Juan and Chile’s Atacama Region.
