Workers at one of Australia’s most crucial ports are going on strike

Union members at Australia’s largest bulk export port have voted to go on strike, after weeks of ongoing fears about potential industrial action and its impact on the country’s economy.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) confirmed 90 per cent of its members at BHP’s Pilbara port operations had backed the proposal to stop work, with strike action expected to be imminent.

The Electrical Trades Union of WA also confirmed the majority of their membership had also endorsed strike action.

The action has been taken after months of ongoing failed talks between workers and BHP representatives towards a new employment agreement.

The strike is expected to impact Port Hedland’s port maintenance workforce some time next week, as the union must notify the company of its intentions.

It would be the first strike in the Pilbara in decades, and the alarms were sounding for those in the mining industry around pending industrial action as far back as March.

ETU WA secretary Adam Woodage said it had been “six months of stonewalling” by BHP.

“We want to sit down and make an agreement that is fair, transparent and enforceable. We have attempted to negotiate a resolution for more than six months, but BHP’s obstructive conduct has meant we don’t have anyone to negotiate with.

“My message to BHP is this: We all benefit from a safe, fair and productive industry – the company, the workers, the state and the nation.”

Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA chief executive officer Will Goldsby said the decision by workers should “alarm the nation”.

“The Pilbara is Australia’s economic engine room. Strike action in our iron ore sector will inflict significant economic and reputation damage,” he said.

“The Pilbara has operated for decades without interference, delivering safe and highly paid jobs. Changes to industrial relations two years ago have led to this predictable outcome.

“At a time when global volatility is plaguing our economy and productivity is declining, the federal government should be protecting one of Australia’s most vital economic assets.”

The Chamber previously praised the recently handed-down federal budget, for choosing not to introduce a gas levy and leaving many policy settings for miners the same.