Albemarle Chile union reaches deal with bonus, averts strike at lithium ops

Unionized workers at Albemarle's La Negra lithium operations in Chile accepted a new agreement including a significant end-of-conflict bonus, avoiding a strike that had been threatened after the union rejected an earlier offer in late August. The deal removes a near-term supply disruption risk for lithium, though terms beyond the bonus are undisclosed. This is a positive development for Albemarle's operational stability and lithium supply outlook.