{"id":729733,"date":"2026-06-11T13:44:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T13:44:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/729733\/"},"modified":"2026-06-11T13:44:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T13:44:12","slug":"bhp-workers-at-one-of-australias-most-crucial-ports-are-going-on-strike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/729733\/","title":{"rendered":"BHP workers at one of Australia\u2019s most crucial ports are going on strike"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Hannah<\/p>\n

June 11, 2026 \u2014 10:21pm<\/p>\n

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Union members at Australia\u2019s largest bulk export port have voted to go on strike, after weeks of ongoing fears about potential industrial action and its impact on the country\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Port Hedland complex in WA handles cargoes for producers including BHP.Bloomberg<\/p>\n

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) confirmed 90 per cent of its members at BHP\u2019s Pilbara port operations had backed the proposal to stop work, with strike action expected to be imminent.<\/p>\n

The Electrical Trades Union of WA also confirmed the majority of their membership had also endorsed strike action.<\/p>\n

The action has been taken after months of ongoing failed talks between workers and BHP representatives towards a new employment agreement.<\/p>\n

The strike is expected to impact Port Hedland\u2019s port maintenance workforce some time next week, as the union must notify the company of its intentions.<\/p>\n

It would be the first strike in the Pilbara in decades, and the alarms were sounding for those in the mining industry around pending industrial action as far back as March.<\/p>\n

ETU WA secretary Adam Woodage said it had been \u201csix months of stonewalling\u201d by BHP.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to sit down and make an agreement that is fair, transparent and enforceable. We have attempted to negotiate a resolution for more than six months, but BHP\u2019s obstructive conduct has meant we don\u2019t have anyone to negotiate with.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis company is not the corporate citizen it used to be.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy message to BHP is this: We all benefit from a safe, fair and productive industry \u2013 the company, the workers, the state and the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

BHP has been contacted for comment.<\/p>\n

Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA chief executive officer Will Goldsby said the decision by workers should \u201calarm the nation\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Pilbara is Australia\u2019s economic engine room. Strike action in our iron ore sector will inflict significant economic and reputation damage,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Pilbara has operated for decades without interference, delivering safe and highly paid jobs. Changes to industrial relations two years ago have led to this predictable outcome.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe outlook for iron ore exports remains strong, but WA needs to diversify its economy, the CCIWA says. Krystle Wright<\/p>\n

\u201cAt a time when global volatility is plaguing our economy and productivity is declining, the federal government should be protecting one of Australia\u2019s most vital economic assets.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Chamber previously praised the recently handed-down federal budget, for choosing not to introduce a gas levy and leaving many policy settings for miners the same.<\/p>\n

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