Nov 7 （Reuters） - Union workers were on strike for a third day on Sunday at the world's No. 3 copper mine, Collahuasi, with no signs management and labor were moving closer to an accord as a contingency plan kept operations going.
The union has vowed a long strike at the mine, which produces 535,000 tonnes a year, or 3.3 percent of the world's mined copper and is owned by Xstrata （XTA.L） and Anglo American （AAL.L）. The strike started after five days of government-mediated talks failed.
"Operations continue at their normal pace, the plan for operational continuity is being followed," said Bernardita Fernandez, a mine official. The company has hired replacement workers.
Outside experts have indicated that output might start being affected if the strike lasts for a week or more, though the company says it has enough workers to keep shifts running smoothly.
To draw attention to their plight, union members have occupied an abandoned school in the city of Iquique and said they would use it as their office until the dispute over pay and benefits is settled.
The union has asked Mining Minister Laurence Golborne to comment on the impasse.
Collahuasi sits at an altitude of about 13,100 feet （4,000 metres） in the Andes of Chile, the world's No. 1 copper producer. （Reporting by Fabian Cambero; Editing by Marguerita Choy）
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