Workers down tools for second time at BHP's Port Hedland operations

Workers at Australia's lucrative Port Hedland operations have initiated a second day of strike action, escalating an ongoing industrial dispute with mining giant BHP. The industrial action intensified yesterday when workers allegedly faced threats of no pay from the company.

"BHP must understand that the Combined Ports Unions will not be deterred by threats or intimidation," stated AWU state secretary Craig Beveridge. However, BHP refuted this claim, asserting that the 47 work activities advised by the AWU were subject to a ban on loading, leaving employees with no work to perform. "Workplace laws are clear that we are not required to pay for the portion of an employee's work that is subject to an industrial ban," BHP said in a statement.

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BHP must understand that the Combined Ports Unions will not be deterred by threats or intimidation.

In parallel, high-voltage workers responsible for Newman's electricity supply, located approximately 450 kilometers inland from Port Hedland, are also participating in a 12-hour work stoppage as part of separate bargaining for an agreement. Despite the industrial action, BHP reported that ship loading continued yesterday, with vessels departing according to usual port planning and tidal conditions.

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Workplace laws are clear that we are not required to pay for the portion of an employee's work that is subject to an industrial ban.

AMWU WA secretary Steve McCartney anticipated that over a hundred workers would participate in today's industrial action. The Town of Port Hedland issued a statement acknowledging the potential for community unease but clarified its non-involvement. "This is a matter between BHP, its workforce and their representatives, and the Town has no role in enterprise bargaining negotiations," stated chief executive Dale Stewart.

Negotiations between the unions and BHP commenced last October, and eleven bargaining meetings have failed to yield an agreement. Unionized workers previously participated in an eight-hour strike in July, which reportedly caused no major disruptions. While unions have not ruled out further strikes, both parties have alluded to positive progress during a recent bargaining meeting with the Fair Work Commission. BHP is scheduled to present an updated proposal at the next meeting on August 18.

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This is a matter between BHP, its workforce and their representatives, and the Town has no role in enterprise bargaining negotiations.