Peruvian copper miners win Freeport strike, 2011
Summary
In 2011, about 1,200 miners at Freeport’s Cerro Verde mine in Peru went on strike for 75 days demanding higher wages. The strike spread to other Freeport sites and included hunger strikes and blockades, leading to a 37% wage increase and improved benefits. The campaign was considered a victory for the workers. [source: nv-database]
Tactics used
Background
Workers at Freeport’s Cerro Verde mine in Peru were frustrated that despite record profits of $2.9 billion in the first half of 2011, they were earning only $1.50 to $3.50 per hour. They demanded a wage increase to $17.50 per hour after failed negotiations. [source: nv-database]
What happened
Peruvian copper miners win Freeport strike, 2011 — Pierre André Leclercq (CC BY-SA 4.0). Source: peruvian-copper-miners-win-freeport-strike-2011.jpg
On 29 September 2011, about 1,200 miners at Freeport’s Cerro Verde mine began a 75-day strike, with 8,000 miners at Freeport’s Grasberg mine also planning a one-month strike. [source: nv-database] The Peruvian government’s Labor Ministry ruled the strike legal, barring Freeport from hiring outside contractors, but the company allegedly hired contractors anyway. [source: nv-database] On 10 October, para-military police opened fire on protesters in Timika, killing one and wounding several. [source: nv-database] On 17 October, fifteen Cerro Verde miners started a hunger strike in response to the violence, and hundreds blockaded the mine. [source: nv-database] The 110km pipeline was cut in several places, and three contractors were killed in an ambush. [source: nv-database] On 19 October, Freeport suspended all operations. [source: nv-database] The government urged resolution through the Industrial Court, and the union reduced its demand to $7.80 per hour. [source: nv-database] After nearly two more months, Freeport agreed to a 37% wage increase, improved housing allowances, educational assistance, and a retirement savings plan, and all workers were allowed back to their positions [source: nv-database].
Key people & organizations
- Freeport Miners [source: nv-database]
- Freeport Labor Union [source: nv-database]
- Peruvian Government [source: nv-database]
- President Ollanta Humala [source: nv-database]
- Freeport Mining Company [source: nv-database]
Outcome
Verdict: won.
The campaign achieved a 37% wage increase and improved benefits, and all workers were reinstated, which was seen as a victory despite not reaching the original $17.50 per hour demand [source: nv-database].
Lessons
- Sustained strikes combined with hunger strikes and blockades can increase pressure on companies and governments.
- Legal recognition of a strike can protect workers from being replaced by contractors [source: nv-database]
- Reducing demands during negotiations can help reach a compromise that still achieves significant gains [source: nv-database]
Sources
- Global Nonviolent Action Database —
[[nv-database]]
Disclaimer: Included as a teaching example of campaign craft, not as endorsement.
Sources & verification
nv-database— grounding: primary — license: link-only- Rewritten: 2026-07-04 via
worker_casestudies_v2.py