Biggest mine strike in over 30 years likely to cripple iron ore port

Landmark industrial action by four unions is a marked escalation in an ongoing pay dispute.

BHP’s Port Hedland Bulk Export Terminal in Western Australia’s Pilbara region is set to see more than half of the site’s port operations and maintenance workforce set down tools for eight hours on 16 July amid tense enterprise agreement negotiations.

Unions and union coalitions have coordinated as part of the combined BHP Ports Union, which includes the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU), and the Western Mine Workers Alliance (WMWA) (which is comprised of the Australian Workers’ Union and Mining and Energy Union (MEU)).

Providing notice on 8 July ahead of the protected action, the unions noted that the stoppage follows “inadequate progress in bargaining talks over more than six months”.

According to The Australian Financial Review (AFR), unions are seeking annual wage rises, no reduction to allowances and conditions, a classification structure, and improved FIFO living conditions.

AMWU WA secretary Steve McCartney said: “BHP has spent more than six months dragging out negotiations instead of putting a fair offer on the table.”

“Our members aren’t asking for anything unreasonable. They’re seeking fair wages, transparent career progression, and enforceable conditions that recognise the specialist skills and commitment needed to keep Port Hedland operating.”

WMWA spokesperson Craig Beveridge said: “BHP has earned more than $100 billion in profits over the past five years.

“They can afford to listen to workers’ genuine concerns but have instead taken an arrogant and dismissive approach.”

As reported by AFR in early June, BHP sought freelance hires as potential worker replacements, offering $93 an hour ahead of the industrial action ballot results.

According to Adam Woodage of the ETU, “this company has engaged in a campaign of US-style stonewalling tactics rather than negotiating the same kind of agreement that governs the conditions workers across this state at other companies – and that governs BHP workers in other parts of the country”.

A BHP spokesperson told HR Leader: “We have delivered a new enterprise agreement at Mining Area C and South Flank that rewards 1,800 workers – without industrial action.

“Our focus remains on keeping our people safe, maintaining productive operations, and reaching a fair, competitive, and reasonable agreement with our people.

“Every Australian benefits from a strong iron ore sector. We are eager to keep negotiating constructively for a fair deal, while making sure we can keep operations running safely.”

McCartney said: “This dispute can end tomorrow. The choice is BHP’s.”

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