Union Update October 11th 2025

Mine Schedule
The mine continues to perform well under the 12-hour schedule. Thank you all for your patience
and flexibility as we’ve transitioned into this new routine. We hope it’s working out for you and
appreciate the teamwork that’s made it possible.

Work Ownership
Management has approached us about allowing contractors in to reinforce roof support in areas
that our members have historically done. We want to be clear — this is our work, and we believe
those rights belong to you, the bargaining unit. We are addressing this issue directly to ensure that
the integrity of our work jurisdiction is maintained. Unless it takes specialty equipment, the work
belongs to us.

RCA and High Voltage Safety
A recent “Fact Finding” was conducted in the mine after a high-voltage cable was pinched between
belting being hauled in and the top. We are working to make this tight area safer and more
manageable. Before re-energizing the high voltage, we want to ensure we fully understand what
happened and that every safety concern is addressed. Safety will always come first.

Dust Studies
Recent dust studies show that dust levels are improving — thanks to everyone’s hard work and
commitment. Special thanks to the belt crews, both Services and MNTC, for knocking out a large
amount of work quickly. We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re definitely better than where
we were.

Innovation and Improvements
Huge shoutout to Colter Hall and Jason Walther for experimenting with spray setups on the Borer
Miners. Every single improvement helps, and the data from these trials is already showing
promising results. Thank you both for taking the initiative to make things better for everyone.

President’s Corner
I’m trying to make it around to each control room, shop, and breakroom to visit with everyone. It’s
tough to get to all of you since being President isn’t my only duty, but I’m making it a priority. I’ve
had some great face-to-face conversations lately and have heard what folks would like to see
changed (including the suggestion to turn off comments on Facebook — LOL). Thanks for taking the
time to talk; those discussions matter.

Surface Ops and 80/20
The main topic in Surface Ops remains the 80/20 split. We’ve proposed that we get locked in a
room until it’s finally settled so we can move forward. We can’t afford to lose language that’s
already working well for MNTC. I’d like to see a genuine effort to try the 80/20 setup for Surface
Ops and test how feasible it really is.
 

Let’s be honest — the massive overtime isn’t about high demand; it’s about short staffing and a lack
of training to qualify our own people. That’s the bottom line. The extreme overtime and 'farming'
are a result of cutting contractors and trying to run lean. I’m all for keeping every bit of work within
the bargaining unit, but if contractors used to do 20% of the work onsite, we’ll need to onboard
more people to handle that load.

Facility Audits and Improvements
We’ve started performing audits around the facility. Since WE Soda took over, we’ve done one at the
mine, Mono North, and the SLT just finished up over at Granger. Similar to the one Cory led at the
mine, it’s already leading to great things. The push for more equipment and parts for belt cleaning
underground has improved reliability tremendously — thanks to the hard work and pride our miners put in every day.

At Granger, we’ve identified the need to update some equipment and take a serious look at the Mill
Helper position and its responsibilities. Both the company and the union agree that it’s a heavy lift,
and changes are needed. It looks like we may pull the lab duties out of the Mill Helper job and adjust
pay rates accordingly. If the Crystallizer position is too large of a role, we might look at reassigning
some of those duties as well.

We want your input. Please reach out to Jimmy, Tirado, or Dean if you have suggestions. The goal is to make the job safer, more balanced, and fair.
The bottom line: change is coming, and we want you to have a say in it. That’s what makes Union
Work the Best Work — we take care of our people, deliver top-of-the-line labor and quality
product, and fight for fair compensation, great benefits, and retirements with dignity. Let’s strive to improve by 1% every day.

Surface 4/10s Update
The 4/10s schedule on the surface is finally here. The Company is aware of our position — if the
trial period has not started by January 5th, we will be forced to pursue other avenues, including
third-party involvement.

In Solidarity
Marshal Cummings