There appears to be no breakthrough for unions representing workers at BHP’s iron ore operations in Port Hedland, despite a historic strike last month in which the majority downed tools for two days.
Discussions on a four-year enterprise agreement are continuing between BHP and the Combined Port Unions – which includes the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) and Western Mine Workers Alliance.
However, the unions rejected BHP’s most recent revised offer which, they said, kept wage inequalities across a large chunk of the Port Hedland workforce.
BHP’s offer apparently involved a pay rise of 17% over four years, a transition payment of $25,000 to be paid over two years and an increase to roster allowances.
However, union leaders say there is a need for stronger protections and pay for people working long hours in Pilbara’s extreme heat. They highlighted BHP’s $13 billion profit over the 2026 financial year as proof that it can afford to pay decent wages to its employees.
The Fair Work Commission has heard counter submissions over pay since October 2025, with no breakthrough. This prompted unions to stage two significant industrial actions earlier this year.
Nearly 200 workers stopped work on July 16, from 2–10pm, at Australia’s largest bulk export port at BHP’s Port Hedland.
Western Australia’s Chamber of Minerals and Energy went into overdrive over this strike — which involved a picket line and protest — claiming it would damage the national economy.
Since BHP refused to come to the table, it was followed by a dramatic escalation, over August 8-9, with unionised workers staying at home both days. It began with a partial stoppage which was extended after BHP threatened workers at the port with no pay.
Australian Workers’ Union WA secretary Craig Beveridge told the ABC: “BHP must understand that the Combined Ports Unions will not be deterred by threats or intimidation”.
At the same time, BHP high voltage workers in Newman — about 450 kilometres from Port Hedland — also downed tools for 12 hours. That action was organised by the Electrical Trades Union.
Despite BHP claiming the strikes had “minimal impact”, the combined union group said a message had been sent. The ETU also said its membership had risen after taking the industrial action.
The parties returned to the negotiating table on August 18 and, despite the lack of an agreement to date, union representatives said that reaching this phase is an achievement that would not have been possible without the strikes.
ETU WA secretary Adam Woodage said it is important that BHP pays workers fairly for the “extreme” conditions they have to work in.