Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 04/98) - Con miners have rejected the company's latest offer.

Cliff Moroz, United Steelworkers of America Local 802 president, said Tuesday it was a "close" vote, but preferred not to release exact numbers.

He did say that a huge majority of workers turned out for Monday's vote.

Local 802 went on strike mid-May. At that time, 185 miners took to the picket lines.

Asked about any concessions contained in Miramar Mining's latest proposal, Moroz said the company was asking the local's members to be flexible on weekend shifts.

An earlier offer from the company had proposed the mine go to a seven-day operation without overtime pay for miners who worked weekends.

Moroz said he is "proud of the membership" for standing up and not accepting any concessions.

The next step for the local is to assemble the bargaining committee and consider its next move.

Moroz also said the local has informed Miramar of the results of the vote.

The union will now await a response, if any, from the company.

Miramar spokesperson Brian Labadie was not immediately available for comment.