Mon, Jul 06, 2009
 Tony Meza, president of Local 886 Steelworkers Union protests the possible ownership of Asarco Mine by Grupo Mexico on Tuesday outside of the Hayden smelter facility in Hayden, Ariz. Union members at the smelter as well as the open pit mine at Kearny were picketing to show their disapproval of the former owner of the mine. James Gregg/Arizona Daily Star
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RANCHO RESORT MAINTANANCE POSITION Administrative & Professional Tucson Urban League CEO/President Administrative & Professional Jorgensen Brooks Group Counselor Finance and Accounting Charles E. Gillman Company Accounting Specialist Mechanical Komatsu Equipment Co Resident Field Mechanic Sales and Marketing Everready Glass Sales Reps BusinessAsarco workers would quit if Grupo Mexico re-takes controlArizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.22.2008
KEARNY, Ariz. — Hundreds of workers for Tucson-based Asarco's mining operations would likely walk off the job if the company is handed back to a Mexico City conglomerate.
In demonstrations at the copper-producer's four Southern Arizona sites today, miners, mechanics and retired workers carried signs in English and Spanish saying Grupo Mexico is not welcome back in the community.
"We don't want Grupo back," said Celestino Flores, who has worked at the Ray mine near Kearny for 30 years. "It's not good for the company, it's not good for the workers, and it's not good for Arizona."
The demonstrations were in response to site visits being conducted this week by representatives from Grupo Mexico, which wants to regain control of Asarco when it emerges from bankruptcy.
Grupo Mexico officials have not responded to a request for interviews. The mining giant lost control of Asarco to the bankruptcy court and a creditors committee in 2005.
Grupo is in the process of formulating a reorganization plan to present to the bankruptcy court.
Another bidder, Vedanta subsidiary Sterlite Ltd., is vying to purchase Asarco's operating assets. They have the support of the union and community leaders.
"We're finally putting the pieces back together," Flores said. "With Vedanta, we have a chance."
Read more in Wednesday's Arizona Daily Star.
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