“Ports unions set to hit BHP with 24-hour strike in Port Hedland”, 31 July 2026

BHP is facing renewed industrial action in Western Australia's Pilbara, with unions lodging notice of a 24-hour strike against the mining giant.

Unions representing workers at BHP's operations in Port Hedland have lodged notice with the Fair Work Commission of the day-long action.

Members of the combined Ports Unions — the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) and the Australian Workers Union (AWU) — will down tools on August 9 from 5:30am if a renewed bargaining meeting scheduled for next week fails to result in an agreement.

A 24-hour ban on loading ships will take place the day before.

Unions said the planned action followed "glacial progress" in bargaining discussions between workers and the company in recent weeks.

An eight-hour strike on July 16 attracted about 100 workers, union staff and supporters.

But it resulted in minimal disruption to BHP's port operations, with seven ships loaded during the stoppage.

Union representatives said the miner had plenty of opportunities to avoid another strike.

"Despite our members negotiating for months, BHP continues to refuse to put forward an agreement that reflects the workers each day," AMWU WA secretary Steve McCartney said.

"This action is the direct result of the company's failure to negotiate seriously."...

BHP has described the strike action as "disappointing" and has asked the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to oversee a negotiated outcome.

"BHP is frustrated by the lack of progress in bargaining and concerned about the lack of genuine engagement from the unions in bargaining meetings," a spokesperson said in a statement.

"We have shared our concerns directly with the union and asked them to provide greater clarity and detail around what they are proposing.

"Should we need to, we will seek further assistance from the Fair Work Commission to ensure we can reach a fair and reasonable agreement as quickly as possible."