Strike on horizon
Workers reject Con Mine's last offer, give union strike mandate
by James Hrynyshyn
Northern News Services
	The employees of Miramar Con Mine voted Thursday to strike -- if their union can't convince the mine to compromise.
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According to several union members, the 280-member-strong United Steelworkers of America Local 802 voted overwhelming against the company's final offer. 
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	One employee, who asked not to be named, said 95 per cent voted against the proposed deal. "It's up to management now," he said.
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	Union local president Clifford Moroz said early Thursday that there's still negotiations taking place and "I want to make it clear -- we're not going on strike."
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	"We hope to be back at the table negotiating with management and the federal mediator," he said as the vote was taking place.
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	The federal mediator is Dennis Howe. It is up to him to recommend Ottawa abandon further negotiations, a move that would put the union in a legal position to strike.
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	The general membership had a meeting Tuesday at the Explorer Hotel, Moroz said. The main stumbling block, according to several employees, is the company's demand that workers give up non-wage benefits worth about $4 an hour.
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	Con Miramar officials declined comment.
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