Strike Talks Slated

Fresh talks to end a five-day strike at Venezuela’s state aluminum companies were scheduled for today in an effort to end the dispute that is casting a pall over the March 25 sale of the companies.

Union officials said they will meet representatives from state heavy industries holding company Corporacion Venezolana de Guayana this morning in an effort to break the deadlock. The dispute revolves around wages and the payment of a production bonus.

“About 75 percent of all the work force is on strike,” said Estilito Garcia, secretary general of the aluminum workers’ union. “But we are willing to talk to management and get this thing over with.”