BHP faces 48-hour port strike escalation

• Unions will expand industrial action at BHP's Port Hedland iron ore operations to 48 hours this weekend.
• The extended work stoppage could potentially cause hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue and royalties.
• BHP has offered a 16% pay rise, but unions are demanding more than double that increase.

Unresolved wage negotiations led union members to expand planned Port Hedland work stoppages for BHP (ASX:BHP) from eight to 48 hours.

The action proceeded despite BHP and union representatives holding supervised Fair Work Commission talks that ended earlier than expected.

"Our approach will deliver greater pay consistency across the workforce while locking in industry-leading pay and conditions," said the BHP spokesperson.

The company stated that the upcoming 48-hour stoppage could potentially result in hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue.

Following the announcement, the BHP share price was unchanged at $60.68.

This latest action follows a July 16 work stoppage where about 67 of an expected 200 workers walked off the job.

BHP offered a 16% pay increase over four years, but unions representing 450 workers demand over double that rate.