The union representing workers at the Hudbay Minerals operation in Flin Flon have officially given the company 72-hour strike notice.

According to company officials, the Flin Flon concentrator produces zinc and copper concentrates from ore mined at the 777 mine.

The members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers local 1848 say they will walk off the job at noon on Saturday.

Reports indicate it will be the first full-scale strike in over 40 years.

In a release, the union lists the health plan and wages as sticking points in the negotiations.

The union also says it was told the company has plans to keep the plant running if the workers walk off the job.