Sibanye-Stillwater has reached a collective bargaining agreement with the United Steel Workers International Union (USW) at its Stillwater East mine and Columbus metallurgical facility in Montana. The agreement, effective retroactively from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2029, was ratified by the workforce, bringing an end to the strike action that commenced on September 3, 2026. The new deal covers a range of terms, including wage increases.
The agreement provides for a 4.5% wage increase in the first year, followed by increases of 3.5% or the consumer price index (CPI), whichever is greater, in the second year, and 3.0% or CPI, whichever is greater, in the third year. This new collective bargaining agreement is a significant milestone in the transformation of Sibanye-Stillwater's US platinum group metals (PGM) operations.
The ratification of the collective bargaining agreement marks the end of the strike notice and strike action that began in September 2026. Employees are expected to resume their duties on October 9, 2026, in accordance with approved work schedules. Sibanye-Stillwater's CEO, Richard Stewart, acknowledged the constructive engagement of employees and USW members throughout the negotiations.
This agreement follows a similar wage deal finalized at Sibanye-Stillwater's East Boulder mine in Montana in September 2026. The East Boulder agreement, effective retroactively from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2029, was also with the USW. These agreements support the transition to fully mechanized mining and the implementation of team-based incentives.
The collective bargaining agreements at Stillwater East, Columbus metallurgical facility, and East Boulder represent a crucial step in aligning legacy benefits with current US market standards. According to Sibanye-Stillwater, these agreements will support the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of its US PGM operations.
CEO Richard Stewart expressed his satisfaction with the conclusion of the multi-year collective bargaining agreements, stating that they preserve strategic assets in the interests of all stakeholders. The agreements are seen as a key factor in maintaining the company's position in the market.
The new agreements demonstrate Sibanye-Stillwater's commitment to its US operations and its employees. The company has been working to transform its US PGM operations, and these agreements are a significant part of that process.
Key points
- Sibanye-Stillwater has concluded a collective bargaining agreement at its Stillwater East mine and Columbus metallurgical facility in Montana.
- The agreement provides for wage increases of 4.5% in year one, 3.5% or CPI in year two, and 3.0% or CPI in year three.
- The agreements support the transition to fully mechanized mining and the implementation of team-based incentives.
