March 8 (Reuters) - The Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) said on Thursday its workers in Sept Iles, Quebec have rejected requests for concessions from the mining company, which wants to install a two-tier retirement program.
The 305 mine workers voted 99.2 percent in favor of a strike mandate, to be exercised when they see fit, arguing that the retirement program disadvantages new workers.
The workers also demanded that a portion of their vacation be considered paid leave instead of vacation days.
The IOC is majority owned by Rio Tinto RIO.AX RIO.L , while Japan's Mitsubishi 8058.T owns 26 percent.