Key facts
- Unionized maintenance workers at BHP's Port Hedland operations in Western Australia have voted to strike.
- The strike action could impact up to 450 workers from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) and Electrical Trades Union (ETU).
- Negotiations between the unions and BHP over a new employment agreement have stalled for six months.
- Workers are demanding improved pay and conditions, citing BHP's substantial profits.
- BHP has stated it has contingency plans in place to ensure operations continue.
- A further bargaining meeting is scheduled for July 7, with no industrial action expected before then.
Workers at Australian mining giant BHP have voted to strike at its Port Hedland operations, raising concerns about disruptions to iron ore exports. The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) confirmed 90% of its members backed proposed work stoppages, while the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) reported 100% support from its 100 members. These votes follow six months of stalled negotiations over a new employment agreement, with workers seeking improved pay and conditions, arguing that BHP's significant profits should be shared more equitably.
Up to 450 workers could participate in stoppages ranging from 30 minutes to 24 hours, with staff required to give five days' notice. The potential industrial action could begin as early as next week, though a further bargaining meeting is scheduled for July 7, and no action is anticipated until after this meeting. BHP has stated it has contingency plans in place to protect its people and ensure operations continue safely and reliably.
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy warned that shutting Port Hedland, Australia's largest bulk export port, could cost the state millions in royalties daily and damage the national economy. Estimates suggest BHP could face losses of between $110 million and $126 million per day, with the WA government potentially losing $6.85 million daily in royalties. Resources Minister Madeline King acknowledged workers' legal right to take protected industrial action and noted that BHP has successfully negotiated agreements with other parts of its workforce.