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Posted by Allen Newton
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09 Sep, 2026
BHP’S industrial dispute at Port Hedland has escalated after three unions rejected the company’s updated enterprise agreement proposal, despite the inclusion of a $25,000 “transition payment” and higher wage rises for most workers.
The West Australian reported on Tuesday that the improved offer, headlined by a 17% pay rise over four years for the majority of the port’s 450 workers. was dismissed by the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, Australian Workers’ Union and Electrical Trades Union. The package also includes increased roster allowances and a two‑year transition payment designed to smooth changes to pay structures.
A BHP spokesperson told The West the proposal was intended to deliver a “fair and reasonable agreement”, saying it “recognises the important work our team does every day, provides greater certainty about pay, resolves issues raised by our workers, and delivers a fair outcome for everyone at port".
Reuters has independently confirmed the details of the offer, quoting BHP as saying it had tabled a “strong, updated proposal” aimed at progressing negotiations. The news agency also reported union concerns that the deal would leave “about 40% of the workforce going backwards”, with ETU WA secretary Adam Woodage arguing the company’s tiered conditions remain a major sticking point.
The dispute has already resulted in two days of strike action at Port Hedland , the first major stoppage at the iron‑ore export hub in more than two decades, costing BHP an estimated $100 million in lost revenue and reducing state royalty flows. Unions staged an eight‑hour strike in July followed by a 48‑hour stoppage in August, though turnout was lower than expected.
BHP maintains it is bargaining in good faith and says operational flexibility is essential to sustaining Pilbara port performance. The company has pointed to recent wins at South Flank and Mining Area C, where workers voted in favour of a separate wage deal.
BHP and the unions are scheduled to meet again at the Fair Work Commission next week, but no formal outcome has emerged from recent discussions. With both sides entrenched, further industrial action remains possible as negotiations enter their second year.
