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Union representatives have called strikes at WA’s largest bulk export port as “significant” and urged a fast resolution as industrial action continued into a second day in the state’s Pilbara region.
However, the miner says iron ore export vessels continue to be loaded and departures remain scheduled subject to usual port planning and tides.
The two-day industrial action began on Saturday with a 24-hour ship-loading ban and continued with a 24-hour work stoppage from 5.30am on Sunday.
The strike involves workers from the Combined Ports Unions, made up of members from the Electrical Trades Union, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and the Western Mine Workers Alliance, and follows action that saw members stop work for an eight-hour period last month.
AWU WA assistant secretary Craig Beveridge said BHP had continually refused to negotiate in good faith.
“These actions are a direct message to the company that all union members are standing together in solidarity,” he said
“They are strong, and they are prepared to take whatever action is necessary to secure an enterprise agreement that is acceptable to the workforce.”
A BHP spokesperson said that with around 1200 people on site across its port facility, the company’s priority is continuing safe and productive operations.
“Vessels are continuing to be loaded with scheduled departures subject to usual port planning and tides,” the spokesperson said.
“Our focus remains on reaching a fair and reasonable agreement. Our approach will deliver greater pay consistency across the workforce while locking in industry leading pay and conditions.”
Beveridge said union members also remain committed to good faith negotiations when they next meet BHP on August 18.
“But BHP must understand that the days of ignoring the legitimate claims of their workforce are over,” he said.
“We are seeking an agreement that addresses the log of claims presented by employees at the beginning of this process.
“Our members know the impact of them withdrawing their labour at Port Hedland over this weekend was significant and BHP knows the impact of our members withdrawing their labour this weekend was significant.
“Our hope is that this protected industrial action does exactly what it’s intended to do, which is sharpen all parties’ minds on finding a solution that works for everyone fast.
“BHP must understand that the Combined Ports Unions will not be deterred by threats or intimidation.”
An AWU spokesman said BHP management recently issued written communication threatening that any worker who participates in planned bans on ship loading activities would face the deduction of a full day’s pay, regardless of how many hours they worked on other essential tasks during their shift.
However, a BHP spokesperson rejected those claims.
“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,” the BHP spokesperson said.
“Unfortunately, with the additional 47 work activities the AWU advised us would be subject to their bans, there was no productive work left that the small number of employees who chose to take industrial action could undertake, and therefore no reason for them to attend work.”
WA Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk urged both parties to continue to meet to “nut out the fine detail”.
“If there’s a bit of give and take on both sides, I’m sure agreement could be reached,” she said.
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