Hundreds of BHP workers at the Port Hedland iron ore terminal in Western Australia are engaging in an 8-hour strike today, July 16, 2026. This marks the first significant industrial action in BHP's iron ore division in over a quarter-century, with the last strike taking place in 2000. Approximately 200 workers, including electricians, port operators, ship loaders, boilermakers, and mechanical fitters, are participating in the stoppage from 2:00 PM local time.
The strike follows months of unsuccessful negotiations between BHP and a coalition of unions, including the Electrical Trades Union, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, and the Western Mine Workers Alliance (Combined Ports Unions). Unions are seeking an agreement that provides fairer wages, transparent career progression, equal pay, and better working conditions. They argue that the current offers, such as a 16% pay rise over four years (similar to deals at other BHP operations), are insufficient given the specialist skills and challenging conditions faced by workers who contributed to the company's $15 billion profit last year and record iron ore production.
BHP recently reported record iron ore production, with a 1% increase to 265 million tonnes, surpassing a previous high set last June. Despite this strong performance, negotiations have stalled, with a recent bargaining meeting involving the Fair Work Commission ending without agreement. Unions estimate the strike could cost BHP up to $50 million in lost revenue. BHP has expressed disappointment but states it has plans to ensure smooth operations at the Port Hedland terminal, which is the world's largest iron ore export port. The company has also applied to the Fair Work Commission for assistance under section 240 of the Fair Work Act.
