El Ciudadano
Following the recent remarks made by the President of the Republican Party, Senator Arturo Squella, regarding the privatization of Codelco, the Chuquicamata Union has organized a gathering titled «For the Defense of 100% State-Owned Codelco and Chilean Copper» set for August 10 (Miner’s Day) at 11 AM in front of the company’s corporate office located at Huérfanos 1270, Santiago.
It’s worth noting that Squella urged the government of Kast to proceed with the privatization of Codelco, «or at least part of its ownership,» claiming it would «bring private oxygen to the company.» His comments have sparked immediate cross-political and social backlash.
In response, the Chuquicamata Union stated, «In light of the government’s push for privatization, along with pressure from political parties and business sectors, we, the workers and all Chileans, cannot remain passive.»
«Codelco has demonstrated, throughout its 55-year history, that it is and will continue to be the best company of the Chilean state. It has contributed over 165 billion dollars to fund hospitals, schools, and to ensure education and dignified pensions,» emphasized the union organization.
In an interview with El Ciudadano, Miguel Véliz, leader of the Chuquicamata Union, asserted that «the workers of Codelco are deeply committed to our country. Our work is for the benefit of every Chilean citizen.«
Thus, he assured that «we will not allow either total or partial privatization of our company under any circumstances. On the contrary, we will make every necessary effort to enhance its efficiency, increase investment, and aggressively industrialize it, especially in copper smelting and refining.»
«Anyone attempting to privatize Codelco or alienate its assets will confront the company’s strongest wall, which is its workers, backed by massive public support,» the union leader emphasized.
Meanwhile, Hernán Guerrero, president of the union, pointed out that «even during the worst times for copper prices, it was never advisable to part with Chile’s principal and best company, Codelco. Proposing to sell or privatize Codelco now, particularly when copper prices are at record highs and expected to remain stable for the next 20 years, is sheer brutality.» «Now, when the copper price is at an all-time high and is projected to stay in those values for the next 20 years,» he noted.
Guerrero highlighted that while the entire world «is mobilizing to secure copper and strategic minerals, these unpatriotic declarations emerge.»
«The resources generated by Codelco have funded the social needs of all governments since its nationalization. Therefore, we call on all labor, social, political, and civic organizations to join the demonstration on August 10, so we can together demand that the government put an end to this privatization ambition,» declared the president of the Chuquicamata Union.
Continue reading about this topic:
El Ciudadano
La entrada Chuquicamata Union Calls for Mobilization Against Codelco Privatization, Labels Republican Party President’s Comments as «Unpatriotic» se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.
🔥 Ver noticia completa en ElCiudadano.cl 🔥
