United Steelworkers Strike Sibanye-Stillwater Montana Operations

Approximately 750 employees at the Stillwater East mine and Columbus metallurgical complex in Montana will begin a strike at 7 a.m. on September 3, 2026. The United Steelworkers union issued the strike notice after more than four months of failed contract negotiations, alleging that the company made an unlawful declaration of impasse and refused to bargain in good faith.

The strike affects workers at the mine as well as the company's smelting and recycling facilities. Sibanye-Stillwater stated it remains committed to a deal that balances employee interests with operational changes required for the long-term sustainability of its U.S. platinum group metals operations.

Company officials noted that the total production impact will depend on the duration of the strike and the time required to restart operations once a resolution is reached.