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Posted by Allen Newton
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05 Aug, 2026
UP TO 16 BHP iron ore shipments could be impacted by this weekend’s industrial action at Port Hedland, according to the combined port unions.
The unions have confirmed a two-day stoppage with protected industrial action at BHP’s Port Hedland operation export operations as bargaining over pay and conditions enters its eighth month.
The combined ports unions – representing operators, maintenance workers and electrical trades – have locked in a 24‑hour ban on loading ships on Saturday 8 August, followed by a full 24‑hour work stoppage from 05.30 AWST on Sunday 9 August. Electrical workers will also undertake a separate 12‑hour stoppage on Sunday.
Unions say the action follows “glacial progress” in negotiations and claim BHP has not addressed core issues around wage protections, classification structures, and recognition of Pilbara working conditions. Around 150 workers are expected to participate in the weekend stoppages.
The unions estimate the action could delay up to 16 iron‑ore shipments, temporarily disrupting BHP’s export program through Port Hedland – the world’s largest bulk export port and the gateway for around 75% of Pilbara iron‑ore volumes. They say the stoppages could cost BHP more than $120 million per day, with flow‑on impacts to state royalties.
BHP maintains it has “plans in place to ensure operations can safely continue” during the stoppages and says industrial action is “not necessary” given recent progress made with assistance from the Fair Work Commission. The company has confirmed it has offered a 16% pay rise, and will present an updated proposal on 18 August, the same day it releases its annual results.
The dispute covers roughly 450 operators and maintenance workers across BHP’s port operations. It is separate from the enterprise agreement recently approved at Mining Area C and South Flank, where workers voted in favour of a four‑year deal including a 16% wage increase and improved allowances.
Unions say they remain prepared for further protected action if negotiations do not advance. “Workers are fed up and ready to fight harder and longer,” a spokesperson said.
The weekend stoppages mark the second major industrial action at Port Hedland in recent weeks, following an eight‑hour strike in mid‑July. Further actions remain authorised under the protected action ballot.
