BHP unions submit counterproposal for 450 workers
- The Combined BHP Ports Unions presented a revised pay offer for Port Hedland workers following the rejection of a previous company proposal.
- Formal discussions are scheduled for Sept. 8, with a Fair Work Commission meeting planned for Sept. 15.
- The dispute centres on securing enforceable pay rates that account for harsh working conditions compared to urban centres.
The combined BHP Ports Unions have submitted a counterproposal for a new wage agreement covering 450 Port Hedland workers ahead of scheduled Sept. 8 talks with mining major BHP (ASX:BHP).
This new offer follows employee rejection of an earlier contract proposal from BHP that union representatives claimed would have preserved pay disparities between operational roles.
"We continue to make progress towards an agreement that will address key areas raised by our workforce," the company said in a statement.
The ongoing labour negotiations directly impact approximately 450 operators and maintenance personnel out of more than 800 total staff employed at the Western Australian port site.
The labour groups stated that workers are seeking enforceable wage protections to compensate for extreme heat, long shifts, and remote locations, while the BHP share price was unchanged at $67.67.
The negotiations represent a critical milestone for BHP as the company manages operational costs across its regional iron ore supply chain in Western Australia.
Port Hedland serves as the primary export hub for BHP's Pilbara iron ore operations, making stable labour agreements central to the company's export logistics network.
