JSE-listed Sibanye-Stillwater has announced that its workforce has ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the United Steel Workers International Union (USW) at the Stillwater East mine and Columbus metallurgical facility in Montana in the United States, effective retroactively from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2029.
The new agreement covers a broad range of terms, including a wage increase of 4.5% in year one, the greater of 3.5% or Consumer Price Index (CPI) in year two, and the greater of 3.0% or CPI in year three of the agreement.
The ratification of the collective bargaining agreement brings to a close the strike notice and strike action since 3 September 2026 and employees are expected to resume their duties in accordance with the approved work schedules on day shift, Friday 9 October 2026.
Conclusion of new collective bargaining agreements at its US PGM operations
The newly ratified collective bargaining agreements at Stillwater East, the Columbus metallurgical facility and East Boulder, respectively, represent an important milestone in the transformation of the US PGM operations, supporting the transition to fully mechanised mining, the implementation of team-based incentives, and the alignment of certain legacy benefits with current United States market standards.
Commenting on the conclusion of the collective bargaining agreement processes at the US PGM operations, Richard Stewart, CEO of Sibanye-Stillwater, said: “We would like to acknowledge the Stillwater East, Columbus metallurgical and East Boulder employees and affiliated USW members for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiations. We are pleased to have concluded multi-year collective bargaining agreements that support the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the US PGM operations, preserving these strategic assets, in the interests of all stakeholders.”
