Codelco’s Trade Unions Back Alliance with SQM for Lithium Industry
This Tuesday saw full support from Codelco's main trade union organizations for the association agreement with SQM. The Federation of Copper Workers (FTC) first expressed approval on Saturday, following the confirmation of the negotiations' closure. The FTC emphasized that the agreement ensures the State of Chile's majority participation in the lithium industry, which aligns with their aspiration for state-led exploitation and commercialization of lithium.
The National Association of Copper Supervisors (Ansco) and the Federation of Copper Supervisors (Fesuc) also joined in support. Ansco highlighted that the alliance with SQM allows Chile to develop a global lithium industry in the Salar de Atacama, extending beyond the current century. They praised the efforts led by Codelco's Chairman of the Board, Máximos Pacheco Matte, in expanding beyond copper and increasing lithium production, crucial for sustainable energy transformation.
Fesuc remarked on the trust placed by the government in Codelco for implementing the lithium strategy. They acknowledged the merit of creating the alliance and the constructive discussions that followed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, which addressed rights of indigenous communities, commitment to innovation, and reducing environmental impact in the Salar de Atacama.
The unions addressed detractors by emphasizing the benefits of the alliance for the country's strategic lithium resources. Fesuc has long advocated for diversification within Codelco and is committed to ensuring the National Lithium Policy's integrity, vowing to demand necessary amendments if deviations occur.
In summary, the trade unions' backing underscores a united front in advancing Chile's position in the global lithium market through the Codelco-SQM partnership.
