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Posted by Allen Newton
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31 Jul, 2026
UNIIONISED workers at BHP’s Port Hedland operations are preparing for a new round of industrial action next week, with a 24‑hour ship‑loading ban on 8 August to be followed by a full 24‑hour stoppage on 9 August, according to multiple media reports.
ABC News reports that the combined Ports Unions — the ETU, AMWU and AWU — have formally lodged notice with the Fair Work Commission, warning that “glacial progress” in bargaining has left workers with no option but to escalate protected action.
The Standard (Warrnambool) notes that about half of the 450 workers at BHP’s bulk export terminal walked off the job earlier in July, marking the first major industrial action in the Pilbara in decades.
The unions say BHP has “failed to bargain in good faith” since then, prompting further action.
MINING.COM, citing Reuters, confirms the unions met with BHP on 28 July, but no agreement was reached. The site reports that workers will impose a 24‑hour loading ban on 8 August, followed by a 24‑hour stoppage beginning at 5:30am on 9 August.
High‑voltage and power workers negotiating a separate agreement will also undertake a 12‑hour stoppage.
The North West Star reports that workers gathered on Thursday night to consider additional protected action, with union officials reiterating frustration at the pace of negotiations.
AMWU WA secretary Steve McCartney told the outlet that BHP “continues to refuse to put forward an agreement that reflects the workers each day,” while Western Mine Workers Alliance spokesperson Craig Beveridge said the company had been given “ample opportunity” to make a fair offer.
ABC News’ earlier coverage of the July stoppage shows BHP downplayed operational impacts, saying seven ships were loaded during the eight‑hour strike.
The company described the action as “disappointing” and has asked the Fair Work Commission to oversee negotiations.
A critical bargaining meeting is scheduled before the Fair Work Commission early next week. If no agreement is reached, the 24‑hour loading ban and subsequent stoppage will proceed, marking the second major strike at Port Hedland in less than a month.
