Copper Workers Vote to Decertify Striking Unions

Phoenix — Phelps Dodge Corp. Workers voted overwhelmingly to decertify striking unions that have led a bitter 19-month walkout against the copper producer. Results were announced Friday.

The results were expected, largely because strikers-an estimated 1,000--were not allowed to vote under federal labor law because the strike is more than a year old. It began on July 1, l983, after the company cut wages for new hires, reduced fringe benefits and eliminated cost-of-living pay raises. The company hired replacements in late 1983.

Phelps Dodge, the nation’s second-largest copper producer behing Kennecott, ahs continued to operate most of its mines and smelters despite the strike and multimillion-dollar losses.