The strike by BHP workers is continuing at Port Hedland, the world’s largest iron ore export hub. The action is reportedly the first major strike to affect iron ore operations in the area in more than 20 years.
Steve McCartney, Western Australia Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU), said union members involved in vessel loading would take part in the action on Saturday, while members of three unions would stage a 24-hour work stoppage on Sunday.
The first phase of the action involves a 24-hour ban on vessel loading, followed by a 24-hour work stoppage on Sunday.
BHP: Vessel Loading Continues
BHP, which ships around $80 million worth of iron ore per day through Port Hedland, said its operations were continuing.
A company spokesperson said vessels were continuing to be loaded and that scheduled departures would proceed according to normal port schedules and tidal conditions. BHP also said its priority was to reach a “fair and reasonable” agreement between the parties.
According to a source familiar with the matter, around eight vessels are expected to complete loading at BHP’s ports over the weekend.
Collective Bargaining Talks Have Continued for More Than Seven Months
BHP and the United BHP Port Unions, a group comprising three unions representing some of the more than 800 workers at BHP’s Port Hedland operations, are negotiating a new four-year collective agreement.
BHP has also been in negotiations for more than seven months with the CBPU, which represents around 450 operators and maintenance workers, over a new wage agreement.
Although progress was made during talks held on Tuesday, the unions decided to proceed with the planned strike action. The next meeting between CBPU and BHP is scheduled for August 18, the same day the company is due to release its annual financial results.
Port Hedland Accounts for 75% of Pilbara’s Iron Ore Exports
Port Hedland is one of Australia’s strategically important hubs for iron ore exports. During the year ended in June, the port handled approximately 75% of iron ore exports from Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
In addition to BHP, Fortescue and Hancock Prospecting also ship iron ore through Port Hedland. However, the current industrial action is not expected to affect Fortescue’s operations.
Source: Reuters
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