BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Thirty-five union workers at Stillwater Mining Co. have accepted buyouts as the mine seeks to cut production costs.
Mike Gentry, international representative for United Steelworkers, tells The Billings Gazette (https://bit.ly/1kki57i ) that most of the 35 aren’t old enough to retire and plan to look for other work.
Stillwater Mining had hoped to get 50 workers to take the buyouts. Those accepting will receive six months’ severance pay and health benefits. Last month, the company laid off 48 salaried employees, including 35 in Montana.
Stillwater has about 1,800 employees who extract and refine palladium and platinum. The metals are used to make electronics, jewelry, fuel cells, coins and other products. Stillwater also operates a smelter and recycling facility.
The company recently signed a five-year deal to supply platinum and palladium to a British chemical company.
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Information from: The Billings Gazette, https://www.billingsgazette.com
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