Union strikes at Compass Minerals Mine

The Associated Press reports that salt producer Compass Minerals International Inc., suspended production at its Goderich, Ontario mine recently after the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union Local 16-O called a strike. The union represents about 350 employees at the site. Officials from the union''s Ontario office were unable to be reached for comment due to the holidays. Compass Minerals said it currently anticipates the strike having minimal impact on its 2006 annual financial results due to its strong inventory position.