Why did electrical workers at BHP (ASX:BHP) vote to authorise strike action?

About 50 high voltage workers at BHP (ASX:BHP) voted to endorse protected industrial action following 12 months of unsuccessful enterprise agreement negotiations. The Electrical Trades Union stated that members are seeking a deal that addresses their legitimate workplace concerns.

What specific industrial action can workers take against BHP (ASX:BHP)?

The approved protected action ballot allows eligible employees at BHP (ASX:BHP) to take unlimited work stoppages ranging from 30 minutes up to 24 hours. Union members must provide the company with a mandatory five-day notice period prior to commencing any strike action.

How many employees are involved in the BHP (ASX:BHP) dispute?

The industrial action ballot directly involves approximately 50 high voltage electrical workers employed by BHP (ASX:BHP). These specialist crews are responsible for operating and maintaining the electrical grid across the company's regional mining operations.

Which operational locations could be impacted by the BHP (ASX:BHP) dispute?

The potential work stoppages at BHP (ASX:BHP) threaten power supply infrastructure across its mining camps and iron ore sites in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The affected power network also supplies electricity to worker accommodation facilities and the local township of Newman.

How did the market react to the industrial action announcement by BHP (ASX:BHP)?

Following the announcement of the approved strike ballot, the BHP (ASX:BHP) share price traded down to $59.09. The movement occurred alongside ongoing enterprise agreement negotiations across the Western Australian iron ore supply chain of BHP (ASX:BHP).

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Fifty BHP electrical workers endorse strike action

Written by Heidi Cuthbert Published Jul 16, 2026, 10:42 PM

About 50 high voltage workers at BHP voted overwhelmingly to authorise protected industrial action.
Potential power supply disruptions emerge across Pilbara operations while BHP shares trade lower.
Union members are pushing for a new enterprise agreement following 12 months of unsuccessful negotiations.

About 50 high voltage workers at BHP (ASX:BHP) overwhelmingly voted to endorse potential 24-hour strike stoppages.

The vote follows 12 months of stalled negotiations and comes shortly after separate industrial action at Port Hedland.

"BHP needs to get serious, look its workers in the eye and make a deal," said ETU WA secretary Adam Woodage.

The approved ballot permits unlimited stoppages lasting up to 24 hours, subject to a five-day notice period.

Following the announcement, the BHP share price was down at $59.09.

These specialist electrical crews maintain essential power supply networks across Pilbara mine sites and local townships.

The company continues to negotiate workplace agreements across its Western Australian iron ore supply chain.

Fifty BHP electrical workers endorse strike action

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