Key facts
- Unions representing 450 workers at BHP's Port Hedland iron ore operations will seek arbitration.
- Negotiations for the four-year wage agreement have been ongoing for over nine months.
- BHP has offered a 17% pay increase over four years, a A$25,000 transition payment, and increased roster allowances.
- The union claims about 40% of the workforce would be worse off under BHP's proposal.
Unions representing approximately 450 operators and maintenance workers at BHP's Port Hedland iron ore operations in Western Australia will seek arbitration after failing to reach terms for a new wage deal. The Combined BHP Ports Unions stated that BHP is unwilling to negotiate an agreement that reflects the specialized skills and sacrifices of the employees who generated over $13 billion in profit this year. Port Hedland is the world's largest iron ore export hub and the primary shipping gateway for BHP's Pilbara operations. Negotiations for the four-year wage agreement have been ongoing for more than nine months, with frequent meetings facilitated by the Fair Work Commission. BHP has offered a 17% pay increase over the four years, including a A$25,000 transition payment spread over two years and an increase to roster allowances. However, the union argues that approximately 40% of the workforce would be worse off under this proposal.