"Unionised workers down tools at BHP's Port Hedland operations a second time", 7 August 2026

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 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 …

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.

…, 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.

… 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.

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

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

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.