File Photo: A view of the BHP Billiton's Escondida, the world's biggest copper mine, in northern Chile, in Antofagasta, Chile March 31, 2008. Though the sprawling Escondida mine could continue to operate even if supervisors walked off the job, a strike could lead to production bottlenecks or slowdowns. "I have no doubt that the strike will win," union head Alexis Barrera said in an interview, adding that nearly all members have already cast their votes. The union accuses BHP of looking to reduce benefits and production bonuses while extending working hours. Chile's powerful Union 1 workers' union said it would stand in solidarity with the Escondida supervisors and ensure that no "illegal replacements" came on the job in the event of a work stoppage.

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Persons: Ivan Alvarado, Alexis Barrera, Barrera, Escondida, Fabian Cambero, Kylie Madry, Rami Ayyub Organizations: BHP, Escondida, REUTERS, Rights, Thomson Locations: Chile, Antofagasta