Key facts
- Hundreds of BHP workers at Port Hedland, Australia, have voted in favor of strike action.
- The Electrical Trades Union reported 100% of its 100 participating members endorsed work stoppages.
- The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union reported over 100 members voted 89.4% in favor of strikes.
- Workers are seeking improved pay and conditions after seven months of unsuccessful bargaining.
- Port Hedland is one of the world's largest iron ore export hubs and is crucial for BHP's operations in Western Australia.
Hundreds of BHP workers at Port Hedland in Western Australia have voted in favor of taking strike action, raising the risk of disruptions to iron ore shipments from one of the world's largest export hubs. The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) reported that 100% of its 100 participating members endorsed work stoppages, which could begin within days. The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) also saw over 100 members vote 89.4% in favor of strike action.
The votes follow months of negotiations between the workers and BHP, the world's largest listed miner, regarding a labor agreement. Workers are seeking improved pay and conditions, with AMWU state secretary Steve McCartney stating that members have "had enough" after seven months of unsuccessful bargaining.
ETU state secretary Adam Woodage criticized BHP's "obstructive conduct" and stated that workers are seeking an agreement that ensures parity for those at the port, who were hired on "wildly disparate" individual contracts. Industrial action may commence after five days' notice is given.