COLUMBUS, Mont.\u2014A strike involving hundreds of workers at Sibanye-Stillwater\u2019s Stillwater Mine and Columbus metallurgical facilities has ended after union employees approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement.<\/p>\n
The strike began Sept. 3 and lasted more than a month. Employees are expected to return to work Oct. 9.<\/p>\n
The agreement provides a 4.5% wage increase in the first year. In the second year, workers will receive the greater of 3.5% or the Consumer Price Index, followed by the greater of 3% or the CPI in the third year.<\/p>\n
The contract is retroactive to June 1, 2026, and runs through May 31, 2029.<\/p>\n
Union negotiators reached a tentative agreement with the company last week before sending the contract to membership for a vote. Voting concluded Tuesday evening.<\/p>\n
The agreement also retains a team-based incentive structure that had been a significant point of disagreement during negotiations. The company has said the incentive changes are intended to reduce production costs and more closely align its Montana operations with industry practices.<\/p>\n
Some long-term employee benefits will also be reduced under the new contract.<\/p>\n
Workers at the East Boulder Mine reached a separate agreement earlier and did not participate in the strike. About 55% of East Boulder employees voted in favor of that contract.<\/p>\n
Sibanye-Stillwater said the Columbus metallurgical complex continued operating during the strike with management employees, while East Boulder remained in operation.<\/p>\n
The company said it is preparing for workers to return to the Stillwater Mine and Columbus facilities and thanked employees and the United Steelworkers for their participation in the negotiations.<\/p>\n