Yellowknife (Mar 24/06) - The company that owns Ekati diamond mine says it will continue to operate should union employees go on strike March 29.

The mine won’t say whether they will use replacement workers in that event, but employees fear that if they do, the violence that rocked Yellowknife during the Giant mine strike in the early 1990s will return.

During that strike, there were clashes between security guards, police and striking miners. The violence climaxed when nine replacement miners were killed by a bomb set deep in the mine in September, 1992.

A letter signed by Richard Morland, Ekati’s vice president of operations, said the mine will remain open in the event of a strike.

“As your employer we believe it is our responsibility to advise you that we intend to continue to operate during any labour dispute.”

That doesn’t sit well with about 50 members of the Ekati union and supporters from other unions who gathered outside BHP Billiton’s office for a rally Wednesday.

“Yellowknife hasn’t forgotten what happened in the early 1990s when you replace northern miners,” said Curtis Hagen, a member of Public Service Alliance of Canada bargaining unit.

About 400 unionized workers say they’ll strike at 6 a.m. March 29 if contract talks don’t resume. They turned down BHP’s final offer last week and voted 70 per cent in favour of strike action.

BHP says it’s willing to resume negotiations April 18.

Todd Parsons, president of the Union of Northern Workers (UNW) accused the company of trying to “steal” union jobs.

“Using replacement workers tips off the balance of power to the employer. BHP is known for bullying,” said Parsons.

He said he isn’t comparing the potential strike to the dispute at Giant Mine.

If a strike occurs, Parsons said the union has some unconventional and expensive strike tactics planned due to the remote location of the mine.

Union workers are looking for an agreement assuring higher wages, job security, seniority, and an annual wage increase.

BHP Billiton Senior External Affairs Officer, Deana Twissell said BHP has several non-union contractors already at the Ekati Mine site that will take over for union workers if a strike occurs.

She would not comment on how many contractors there are or whether they will be hiring replacement workers.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said the city “hasn’t had a good experience with replacement workers.”

The mayor said council has received a request from workers asking city council to get BHP to stop delaying negotiations.

The request is expected to be discussed by councillors, Monday.

Premier Joe Handley would not comment on the situation.