Port Hedland unions plan 24-hour walkout at BHP if talks fail

Union members at BHP’s Port Hedland site, represented by the Electrical Trades Union, Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and Australian Workers Union, have lodged a formal notice for a 24-hour strike on August 9, contingent on the outcome of a forthcoming bargaining session before the Fair Work Commission. The strike will commence at 5:30 a.m. after a one-day loading ban on August 8, and follows an earlier eight-hour walkout on July 16 that caused limited disruption.

Union officials argue that negotiations have moved at a “glacial” pace and accuse BHP of refusing to propose a transparent, fair agreement. BHP described the planned action as disappointing and has asked the commission to facilitate a negotiated settlement. The Western Australian Chamber of Minerals and Energy warned that the stoppage could threaten the national economy, estimating potential losses of $120 million in revenue for BHP and $6.85 million in state royalties. A recent YouGov poll commissioned by the ETU indicated that 71 percent of respondents support the workers’ right to strike.