Several dozen support workers at the Voisey's Bay nickel mine in northern Labrador have launched a strike, and more may soon follow.

More than 60 employees of the contracting company Torngat Services work on mill maintenance and transport ore concentrate from the mill to a nearby port.

The workers are seeking parity with quarterly bonuses paid to mine workers employed directly by Voisey's Bay Nickel.

The bonuses can amount to as much as $30,000 per year.

Meanwhile, about 60 employees of another contactor, Ushitau Maintenance, are holding a strike vote this week.

If that vote is successful, more picket lines could be set up by the weekend.

This is the second strike at the Voisey's Bay mine, which is near Nain on Labrador's northern coast.

In 2006, about 120 heavy equipment workers were on strike for eight weeks. The dispute was resolved with a deal that saw higher pay and improved pensions.