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Original article: Sindicato Chuquicamata finaliza exitosa tercera edición de jornada de formación internacional sobre seguridad laboral

In Tacna, Peru, on June 26 and 27, 2026, the third edition of the international training session on labor safety took place. This unique initiative featured the leaders of the Chuquicamata Union presenting on safety at work, a subject in which they have been certified by the CODELCO University.

Labor safety is one of the most crucial aspects of a worker’s professional life. Occupational illnesses and accidents significantly impact workers in the mining sector, particularly those employed by CODELCO. Last year, the tragic death of six miners occurred at the El Teniente Mine while working for a CODELCO contractor.

Most of these incidents can be attributed to human error, which is why the Chuquicamata Union has taken the initiative to empower workers to demand safety conditions. As the saying goes, «Better safe than sorry.»

Miguel Véliz, treasurer of the Chuquicamata Union, told El Ciudadano that “this knowledge-sharing activity is unique and innovative, as the Chuquicamata union leaders are specifically certified by CODELCO University to deliver this training. The innovation lies in the fact that we convey knowledge from the front lines of risk exposure and engage directly based on our workers’ experiences.» He further highlighted the significant contributions of workers during these training sessions, noting that “Throughout these training sessions, we have gathered over 89 serious and professional proposals that have already been submitted to CODELCO’s upper management and are currently undergoing implementation and analysis. It’s crucial for workers to assess all risks to return home safe and sound. The massive participation of members in this training reflects a union fully committed to safety, organization, and the company.«

According to Juan Brito, a participant from the Chuquicamata Refinery, the course was “excellent, allowing a deep dive into key aspects such as Article 44 and its application mechanism, knowledge that enhances both work performance and personal growth.» He also valued the international nature of the training and the social environment created, which facilitated reconnecting with colleagues, learning about different areas, and embracing new everyday learnings. Lastly, he encouraged his peers, stating that “they should not fall behind and should join this experience,” emphasizing that “as the union promotes and strengthens these initiatives, it is right to support them actively.”

Similarly, Nataly Terraza, a worker from the Underground Mine who participated in the training, described her experience as “unique.” She also expressed gratitude to the unions and leaders for their hard work and effort and appreciated the opportunity to “meet colleagues from different areas.” In conclusion, she invited her colleagues to “not regret experiencing this opportunity,” underscoring that “the most important aspect was to learn about safety and to know more about the union we belong to.”

In the closing dinner of the training event, the President of the Chuquicamata Union, Hernán Guerrero, stated that the training “should not end with tonight’s dinner or tomorrow’s travel; rather, it represents the beginning of a new phase and a new coexistence.» He emphasized that “the goal of this training is to strengthen the bonds between you as members and us as your representatives, so that we can get to know each other better and collaborate in the training.” He further called for collective commitment, asserting, “We are all part of a team, and this team must continue to grow and make this organization bigger,” inviting participants to view this challenge as a lasting commitment that transcends the training session.

This pioneering activity in the training development of union members has five more training sessions planned for 2026, in which members of the Chuquicamata Union can apply. The next two sessions are scheduled for August 2026.

La entrada Chuquicamata Union Concludes Successful Third Edition of International Labor Safety Training se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.