Hundreds of BHP Workers Back Strike at Key Australian Iron Ore Export Hub

SYDNEY, June 11 (Reuters) – Hundreds of BHP workers at Port Hedland in Western Australia have voted in favor of striking, according to two unions. This indicates a potential disruption to iron ore shipments from one of the largest export hubs in the world.

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) reported that all 100 members who participated in the vote agreed on work stoppages that could last anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, with the possibility of starting in the next few days.

In addition, over 100 members of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) also voted, with 89.4% in favor of strike action, according to a union spokesperson.

This decision follows several months of negotiations with BHP, the world's largest publicly listed mining company, as workers push for better pay and working conditions.

BHP has not yet responded to requests for comments on the situation.

Port Hedland is recognized as one of the largest iron ore loading ports globally and is the biggest in Australia.

The port is connected to several BHP mines in the Pilbara region and is crucial for all iron ore exports from Western Australia.

The ETU is advocating for agreements that ensure fairness for port workers with similar skills and experience, who have been on "greatly varied" individual contracts.

Adam Woodage, state secretary for Western Australia, stated, "We have tried to negotiate a solution for over six months, but BHP's obstructive actions have left us with no one to negotiate with."

According to the union, workers can initiate industrial action after providing five days' notice.

AMWU state secretary Steve McCartney mentioned that workers have spent seven months trying to negotiate with the company without success.

"Members are fed up," he said. "They want to be heard and are demanding a fair deal."

"More than 100 workers are fighting for equitable wages and conditions during this cost-of-living crisis."