News release

March 23, 2006

Union warns BHP Billiton against using replacement workers

YELLOWKNIFE - The union representing almost 400 diamond workers at the Ekati diamond mine in the Northwest Territories is warning owners BHP Billiton against using replacement workers in the event of a strike next week.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada says BHP Billiton sent a letter to all employees Wednesday stating that they: "intend to continue to operate during any labour disruption."

"This provocative action is unacceptable, especially when BHP Billiton is also refusing to meet at the negotiating table to try and reach a first contract," said Jean-François Des Lauriers, the PSAC Executive Vice-President- North. "Management at BHP Billiton is setting the grounds for a very disruptive labour conflict."

"Union members and people in the North do not accept the use of replacement workers, or scabs, in labour disputes and we warn BHP Billiton that these tactics will not intimidate workers but will make things much worse," Des Lauriers said.

BHP Billiton's "final" offer was inadequate, Des Lauriers said, with no guaranteed annual wage increase, no job security, no lay-offs by seniority and no improved vacations. It was rejected by a 71.4% negative vote by workers, who have served strike notice and could walk out March 29.

BHP Billiton has refused to return to bargaining before April 18, said Todd Parsons, President of the Union of Northern Workers component of PSAC. "Delaying bargaining that could avoid a strike and then saying they will hire replacement workers are very disturbing signals to its employees and to our northern communities," Parsons said. "The company should be developing a good relationship with its employees instead of constantly confronting them."

Parsons says the PSAC Diamond Workers UNW Local X3050 is determined to win a first collective agreement and if necessary the diamonds will stay in the ground until then.

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For further information:
Jean-Francois Des Lauriers -
(867) 765-8937 or (613) 858-2367,

Todd Parsons -
(867) 873-5668 or (867) 445-8899

Bill Tieleman,
West Star Communications -
(604) 844-7827 or cell (778) 896-0964,

Websites: www.unw.ca & www.psacnorth.com