BHP Port Workers Strike in Australia Amid Escalating Industrial Dispute

Workers at Australia's most lucrative port operations have walked off the job for a second day, amid an escalating industrial dispute.

The partial strike action at the port yesterday descended into a full stoppage after workers were allegedly threatened with no pay by mining giant BHP.

"BHP must understand that the Combined Ports Unions will not be deterred by threats or intimidation," AWU state secretary Craig Beveridge said.

BHP rejected the claim, arguing the 47 work activities the AWU advised were subject to the ban on loading left employees with no work to do.

"Workplace laws are clear that we are not required to pay for the portion of an employee's work that is subject to an industrial ban," BHP said in a statement on Saturday.

Bargaining for a separate agreement, BHP high voltage workers responsible for Newman's electricity supply, about 450 kilometres inland from Port Hedland, are downing tools in a 12-hour work stoppage.

Ship loading continued

BHP said ships continued to be loaded during yesterday's stoppage.

"Vessels are being loaded, with scheduled departures subject to usual port planning and tides," a statement read.

Multiple bulk carriers could be seen departing BHP berths.

Speaking on Saturday morning, AMWU WA secretary Steve McCartney said he expected more than a hundred workers would take part in today's industrial action.

Electrical Trades Union WA's lead north west organiser, Brant Softley, expected today's strike would have a more widespread impact on the miner.

"To my knowledge, there'll be nearly no union people going in," Mr Softley said.

"Electrical, mechanical and the ship-loading people with the AWU have skill sets that can't be learned in 5 minutes."

When asked why unions weren't participating in a picket line, Mr Softley said unions didn't want to make a spectacle to get their point across.

Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA chief executive Aaron Morey said the strike was "hard to reconcile" with progress made in Tuesday's bargaining meeting.

"If the talks are genuinely progressing and there is a clear path to an agreement, there was no case for walking off the job," Mr Morey said.

"International investors are watching and the message the unions seem to be trying to send is that they should take their capital somewhere else.

"If that happens, every West Australian will be far worse off."

Parties urged to reach agreement

The Town of Port Hedland said it had no part to play, but acknowledged the action could cause unease.

"This is a matter between BHP, its workforce and their representatives, and the Town has no role in enterprise bargaining negotiations," chief executive Dale Stewart said.

"We recognise that many residents, businesses and community organisations have strong connections to the resources sector, and any significant industrial dispute can create uncertainty across the community."

WA Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk said if there was "a bit of give and take on both sides" she was sure an agreement could be reached.

"I urge the parties to continue to meet to reach agreement … the Pilbara is an important economic driver for our state and for our country, so of course we are keeping an eye on it closely," she said.

"And I think that it’s really worth keeping in mind, not just the immediate issues, but the need for good harmonious relationships post the agreement being reached."

No end in sight

While the AWU said this impact of this weekend's action was "significant", BHP said operations continued.

"With around 1200 people on site across our port facility, our priority is always continuing safe and productive operations," a statement from the miner read.

Negotiations between the unions began last October, with 11 bargaining meetings held so far failing to reach an agreement.

In July, unionised workers participated in an 8-hour strike which the ABC understands did not cause major disruptions for BHP.

Unions have not ruled out further strikes, despite both the Combined Ports Unions and BHP alluding to positive progress in a bargaining meeting with the Fair Work Commission earlier this week.

BHP has committed to tabling an updated proposal at the next bargaining meeting with the Fair Work Commission on August 18.