Hundreds of BHP workers back strike action at key Australian iron ore export hub

SYDNEY: Hundreds of BHP workers at Port Hedland in Western Australia voted in favour of taking strike action, two unions said today, raising the ‌risk of disruptions to iron ore shipments from one of the world’s biggest export hubs.

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) said 100% of its 100 members participating in the vote endorsed work stoppages ranging from 30 minutes to 24 hours, which could begin within days.

More than 100 members of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) also voted 89.4% in favour of taking strike action, a spokesman said.

The votes come after months of talks with BHP, the world’s biggest listed miner, to agree on a labour agreement, with workers seeking improved pay and conditions.

BHP did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Port Hedland is one of the largest iron ore loading ports in the world and the biggest in Australia.

It is linked ​to a number of BHP’s mines in the Pilbara region and is used for all of its iron ore exports in Western Australia.

The ETU said it was seeking an agreement that ensured parity for workers at the port with the same skills and experience, after they were hired on “wildly disparate” individual contracts.

“We have attempted to negotiate a resolution for more than six months, but BHP’s obstructive conduct has meant we don’t have anyone to negotiate with,” said Adam Woodage, state secretary for Western Australia.

“Workers may begin industrial action after giving five days of notice,” the union added.

AMWU state secretary Steve McCartney said workers had spent seven months unsuccessfully bargaining with the company.

“Members have had enough,” he said. “They are demanding to be heard and they are demanding a fair agreement.”

“More than 100 workers are standing up for fair wages and conditions during a cost-of-living crisis,” McCartney said.