Albemarle workers in Chile voted to authorize a strike starting September 2. Approximately 97.5% of union members supported the labor action after contract negotiations escalated.
The dispute centers on demands for higher wages and improved benefits. Workers cite a recovery in lithium prices and Albemarle’s financial performance as justification for their bargaining position.
The Salar de Atacama operations serve as a critical global source for electric vehicle battery components. These facilities produced 74,500 metric tons of lithium carbonate in 2025.