PITTSBURGH, March 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that the members of Local 5114 in Mullan, Idaho, have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal that would end a year-long strike at Hecla Mining Company's (NYSE: HL) Lucky Friday mine by submitting the outstanding issues to binding interest arbitration.

In a secret ballot election, about 250 USW members, who began their strike against the company's unfair labor practices almost exactly one year ago, on March 13, 2017, voted to continue the labor dispute rather than risk allowing a panel of arbitrators to impose a contract that would give management unprecedented, unchecked control over who works and the schedule they work, along with who advances through Hecla's job progression system and at what pace.

"Clearly, the members of Local 5114 remain united in solidarity and their determination to fight for the fair contract they have earned and deserve," said USW District 12 Director Robert LaVenture.

"On their behalf, and on behalf of their families and the community which has steadfastly supported them, I strongly encourage Hecla management to return to the bargaining table to negotiate in good faith and resolve the remaining issues," he said.

LaVenture said that no meetings with Hecla management are currently scheduled, but members of Local 5114 will sponsor a rally at Mullan Pavilion and march to the Lucky Friday picket line on Saturday, March 17, to commemorate one year of solidarity in their fight for a fair contract.

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service and public sectors. For more information, visit http://www.usw.org.

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SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

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