Workers down tools for second time at BHP's Port Hedland operations
Members of three unions have downed tools for 24 hours at BHP's Port Hedland operations, after a work stoppage by the Australian Workers Union a day earlier.
Workers at BHP's Port Hedland operations have halted production for a second consecutive day, with high voltage workers near Newman staging a 12-hour strike. Australian Workers Union members joined the stoppage on Monday. Ports unions and BHP will reconvene before the Fair Work Commission on August 18. The dispute has escalated from a partial strike to a full stoppage after workers allegedly faced threats of unpaid work.
BHP denies the allegations, stating that the banned work activities left employees idle. While work continues at the port, vessels are departing as scheduled. AMWU WA secretary Steve McCartney anticipates significant participation in today's action, citing the specialised skills of affected workers. Electrical Trades Union WA's Brant Softley expects minimal involvement from union members.
BHP rejects the unions' claims, asserting that employees have no work to perform under the industrial ban. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA raises concerns about the strike's impact on investor confidence. Town of Port Hedland's Dale Stewart emphasizes the dispute's internal nature, while WA Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk calls for compromise. BHP maintains that operations remain safe and productive, despite the ongoing conflict.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
