Key facts
- BHP and unions failed to reach an agreement for Port Hedland iron ore workers.
- Negotiations will resume next Tuesday, facilitated by the Fair Work Commission.
- BHP's offer includes a 17% pay increase over four years.
- The offer also includes a A$25,000 transition payment and increased roster allowances.
Negotiations between mining giant BHP and unions representing workers at its Port Hedland iron ore operations in Western Australia concluded without a deal, with further discussions scheduled for next week. The three unions of the Combined BHP Ports Unions have been meeting almost weekly in recent months to negotiate a four-year agreement. Talks will resume next Tuesday, facilitated by the regulator, the Fair Work Commission.
BHP stated it tabled a strong, updated proposal that is a significant step towards delivering a fair and reasonable agreement for its port workers. For most workers, the offer includes a 17% pay increase over the four years of the agreement, a transition payment of A$25,000 paid over two years, and an increase to roster allowances.
Mining is among Australia's top-paying industries. Workers in remote, hot, and dry regions often seek compensation for those conditions and time away from families. Port Hedland is the world's largest iron ore loading port, with Australia being the world's biggest supplier of the steelmaking raw material, accounting for around 900 million tonnes of iron ore per year. BHP ships approximately $80 million worth of iron ore daily through the facility.