Codelco’s Chairman of the Board, Máximo Pacheco, and Executive Chairman Rubén Alvarado took part in the 76th National Congress of the Federation of Copper Workers (FTC) in La Serena on April 22. The event included discussions with union leaders from various divisions within Codelco.
The meeting focused on ongoing dialogue between company leadership and worker representatives. Pacheco said that the conversation included important questions reflecting union concerns and was conducted in a respectful manner. “It was a conversation with excellent questions that summarized the concerns, interests, and grievances of our union leaders. It was also a respectful and constructive conversation, characterized by a willingness to exchange opinions and listen to our proposals,” he said.
FTC President Héctor Roco commented on the value of open discussion about both opportunities and challenges facing Codelco. “I believe it was a frank and open dialogue about the challenges and opportunities, but also about the threats we face. We had the opportunity to share, converse, and discuss perspectives, to take stock of these past years, but also of the work we have to do. As always, the leaders asked very insightful questions, and there were answers that reassure us, but also highlight the challenge regarding these threats that we must address soon,” he said.
Alvarado highlighted how collaboration with union leadership has shaped Codelco’s direction: “Through their representation of the workers, they have co-built the Codelco that we are so proud of today. We strive to be a pillar of sustainable development, and this is achieved, among other things, through ongoing dialogue with the workers. From this perspective…we have paved the way, and we are certain that we will continue working in the same manner in the future,” he said.
Pacheco outlined four pillars for Codelco’s growth strategy: developing structural projects; forming partnerships with global mining companies; responsible mining practices; and strengthening strategic agreements with employees. He noted progress made during his tenure in renewing agreements aimed at operational continuity while addressing industry challenges together.
Reflecting on his time as chairman as it comes to an end, Pacheco said: “For the past four years I have participated in FTC Annual Congress…Today as my term comes to a close I am honored by how this dialogue has developed.”
