Sibanye-Stillwater (JSE:SSW) has received notification from the United Steelworkers union that its members intend to commence strike action on 3 September at 7am (MT).
The strike specifically relates to the Stillwater East mine and Columbus metallurgical facility and the collective bargaining agreement covering these operations. The company’s East Boulder mine is part of a separate collective agreement.
Sibanye-Stillwater has been in negotiations with the union for more than four months on the agreement, with the company noting that engagement between the parties remains constructive. The negotiations are progressing with consideration given to employee interests and the key operational changes needed to secure the long-term sustainability of the company’s US platinum group metals (PGM) operations.
The company notes that these operations are currently implementing an integrated, productivity-led transformation program, with a focus on mechanisation and upgraded work practices. These changes are considered essential to the company’s technical and operational transformation, with a new performance and incentive plan proposed as part of the collective bargaining agreement.
CEO Richard Stewart says reducing unit operating costs at the US PGM operations is essential to their long-term future.
“The productivity transformation program has been carefully planned and designed to achieve this, and the proposed bargaining agreement is critical to enable the productivity and operating changes required,” Stewart says.
“We have a clear plan to secure the future of these operations. However, if that plan cannot be implemented and the operations remain unsustainable, there may ultimately be no viable basis for the continued operation.
“We remain committed to constructive engagement with the United Steelworkers to reach an agreement that will secure the long-term sustainability of these world-class operations that produce critical metals in the United States, preserve employment, and create lasting value for all stakeholders.”
Sibanye-Stillwater is a global mining and metals processing group with a diverse portfolio worldwide. The company is one of the largest producers and refiners of platinum group metals and is a top producer of gold.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Main image: Sibanye-Stillwater
