BHP Port Hedland iron ore strike set for August 8-9

Workers at BHP Group's (ASX: BHP) Port Hedland iron ore operations in Western Australia plan a two-day strike on August 8-9, halting ship loading at the world's largest iron ore export hub.

"We have given ample opportunity for BHP to come to the table with a fair offer that addresses our members' concerns," Craig Beveridge, spokesperson for the Western Mine Workers Alliance, said in a statement.

The Combined Ports Unions, representing three unions including the Western Mine Workers Alliance and electrical and manufacturing workers, said workers would impose a 24-hour ban on loading ships on August 8, followed by a 24-hour work stoppage at the Port Hedland Bulk Export Terminal beginning at 05:30 AWST on August 9. Around 150 workers are expected to participate, and 16 shipments are expected to be held up over the two days, union spokesperson Adam Woodage told reporters in Melbourne.

Port Hedland, in the country's northwest, is a major artery for Australian iron ore, through which $80 million of BHP's products transit each day. High-voltage and power workers negotiating a separate enterprise agreement with BHP will also undertake a 12-hour stoppage on August 9, the alliance said.

The unions most recently met with BHP on July 28, but no agreement was reached. Workers are seeking enforceable wage and condition protections through a new enterprise agreement. BHP did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

The strike at Port Hedland, which handles exports from BHP's seven Pilbara iron ore mines including Jimblebar, could tighten seaborne supply if extended beyond the planned two-day window. The unions said they remain ready to resume negotiations, but no further talks have been scheduled as of August 4, according to a union spokesperson.

BHP's Pilbara iron ore operations rank among the world's largest, competing with Rio Tinto and Fortescue for seaborne market share. Any prolonged disruption at Port Hedland would affect not only BHP's export schedule but also the broader Australian iron ore trade, given the port's role as the primary export gateway for the region's major producers.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.