Hundreds of unionised workers at BHP’s Port Hedland operations in Western Australia have voted to walk off the job next week, in what could be the sector’s most significant industrial action in 25 years.
Between 150 and 200 workers represented by the Combined Ports Unions have handed the mining giant a five-day notice to strike for eight hours on July 16, following a breakdown in seven months of enterprise bargaining negotiations, ABC News reported.
The planned stoppage, scheduled between 2pm and 10pm, targets Australia’s largest export hub and threatens to disrupt up to AU$120 million in daily export revenue, alongside AU$6.85 million in WA government royalty payments.
It comes after talks between the mining giant and unions aimed at improving workers’ pay and conditions failed to reach a result.
The unions note that BHP has earned more than AU$100 billion in profit over the last five years while underpaying its workers.
The union coalition, comprising the Western Mine Workers Alliance, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, and the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), estimates that even an eight-hour pause could cost BHP up to AU$50 million in lost revenue.
ETU WA secretary Adam Woodage noted the strike deliberately lands on a double-up day, when a higher volume of staff are rostered for critical maintenance and handovers.
“These men and women know how to make BHP big money on the daily… potentially stuff won’t be getting loaded,” Woodage warned, though he clarified workers would step back in if there was any imminent risk to life or health.
BHP responded by stating it has robust contingency plans in place to safeguard its supply chain and keep operations running safely.
A spokesperson expressed eagerness to continue constructive talks for a “fair, competitive and reasonable agreement”,” pointing to a successful non-union-backed deal passed last week covering 1,800 workers at its South Flank and Mining Area C mines.
WA Premier Roger Cook and Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King have both acknowledged the workers’ legal right to bargain, while strongly urging both parties to achieve a negotiated outcome.
A final, high-stakes meeting scheduled for July 14 looms as BHP’s last opportunity to break the deadlock and avert the historic Pilbara walkout.
