-
Posted by Allen Newton
- |
-
24 Aug, 2026
INDUSTRIAL action across Western Australia’s north continues to affect port operations, with separate disputes in Broome and the Pilbara entering new phases as unions and operators remain locked in negotiations.
At Port of Broome, protected industrial action has been scaled back, with Terminal 2 reopened from 17 August as a sign of goodwill ahead of Fair Work Commission conciliation. However, stoppages and work bans at Terminal 1 remained in place until 22 August, affecting stevedoring availability for cargo and livestock vessels.
Cruise operations have continued under modified arrangements, including manual loading and tender transfers, as Kimberley Ports Authority works to “facilitate trade wherever possible”.
The Maritime Union of Australia says it is continuing to bargain in good faith, while the port operator maintains that it is working to minimise disruption. No new stoppages have been announced beyond the current protected action period, and Fair Work discussions are ongoing.
Further east in the Pilbara, tensions at BHP’s Port Hedland operations have intensified following the removal of union officials from site on 21 August during a right‑of‑entry visit. The Electrical Trades Union and Australian Workers Union have described the removal as unlawful and intend to pursue the matter in the Federal Court. BHP says it does not tolerate aggressive behaviour in its workplaces.
The incident comes shortly after a series of stoppages earlier in the month, including a 24‑hour ship‑loading ban on 8 August and a full 24‑hour strike on 9 August involving around 150 workers. While BHP maintains that vessels continued to load and depart as scheduled, unions say the action caused significant disruption.
Enterprise bargaining at Port Hedland has now stretched beyond seven months, with unions seeking enforceable wage and condition protections and BHP offering a 16% pay rise over four years. The unions have not ruled out further industrial action, and Fair Work conciliation continues.
The two disputes, while separate, have created sustained pressure across northern WA’s port supply chains, with operators working to maintain vessel movements amid reduced labour availability and ongoing negotiations.
