Workers at the world’s largest bulk iron ore export operation will walk off the job for the second day in a row.
One hundred and fifty workers at BHP’s bulk export terminal in Western Australia’s Port Hedland are taking part in the new series of strikes after a walkout in July.
The two-day strike began on Saturday with a 24-hour ship-loading ban and will continue with a 24-hour work stoppage from 5.30am on Sunday.
Members of the Electrical Trades Union, the Combined Ports Unions, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and the Australian Workers Union are taking part.
“This action is the direct result of the company’s failure to negotiate seriously,” Australian Manufacturing Workers Union WA state secretary Steve McCartney said on Saturday.
Workers felt they had been left with no choice, he said.
“BHP has made it clear it can move quickly when its operations are affected. It now needs to show the same urgency at the bargaining table.
“The company can end this dispute at any time by putting forward a genuine offer that respects the skill, experience and contribution of its workforce.”
High voltage and power workers, who are negotiating a separate agreement with BHP, will also down tools on Sunday.
BHP has previously said plans are in place to minimise any potential operational disruptions.
Western Mine Workers Alliance spokesperson Craig Beveridge said BHP had failed to negotiate in good faith.
“These actions are a direct message to the company that all union members are standing together in solidarity.”
“They are strong, and they are prepared to take whatever action is necessary to secure an enterprise agreement that is acceptable to the workforce.
BHP rebuffed these claims, pointing to its offer of a 16 per cent pay increase over four years as proof of its own efforts.
“BHP is frustrated by the lack of progress in bargaining and concerned about the lack of genuine engagement from the unions in bargaining meetings,” a spokesperson said.
The unions are next expected to meet BHP on August 18, the same day the mining giant will report its annual results.
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