© 2025 Wyoming Public Media
800-729-5897 | 307-766-4240
Wyoming Public Media is a service of the University of Wyoming
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Transmission & Streaming Disruptions
Catch up on breaking news and quick updates from around the state.

Genesis Alkali workers in contract negotiations in Sweetwater County

A sagebrush and desert landscape with blue skies.
careful…from Wyoming
/
Flickr
Beneath this ground in Sweetwater County lies one of the world's largest deposits of trona, sodium carbonate to be harvested and used in industry and manufacture.

This story is part of our Quick Hits series. This series will bring you breaking news and short updates from throughout the state.

Union workers for one of the largest producers of soda ash in the world are in contract negotiations in Sweetwater County.

According to Green River Star reporting, the workers are asking for inflation-adjusted wage increases from their employer, Genesis Alkali. Also, paid sick leave and a number of other increased safety standards at work. This includes addressing over exposure to silica dust, which can cause lifelong black lung disease.

The weekly newspaper reports that nearly 300 people came out in support a week ago at the company’s headquarters, just west of Green River.

More demonstrations took place this week as negotiations continue, according to Sweetwater Now. Workers and the company have until June 30 to reach an agreement. Workers told the online news site that there’s a possibility of a strike otherwise.

Genesis Alkali mines Trona and produces it into soda ash. It’s used in things like glass and baking soda. The company employs almost a thousand people in Sweetwater County, although not all are union members.

Caitlin Tan is the Energy and Natural Resources reporter based in Sublette County, Wyoming. Since graduating from the University of Wyoming in 2017, she’s reported on salmon in Alaska, folkways in Appalachia and helped produce 'All Things Considered' in Washington D.C. She formerly co-hosted the podcast ‘Inside Appalachia.' You can typically find her outside in the mountains with her two dogs.

Enjoying stories like this?

Donate to help keep public radio strong across Wyoming.

Related Content