Workers down tools for second time at BHP's Port Hedland operations

BHP workers across three unions have downed tools for 24 hours at the Port Hedland operations, while high voltage workers near Newman will strike for 12 hours. Australian Workers' Union members also participated in a work stoppage yesterday. What's next? Ports unions and BHP will meet with the oversight of the Fair Work Commission again on August 18. Workers at Australia's most lucrative port operations will walk 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. 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." No end in sight Negotiations between the unions began last October, with the 11 bargaining meetings held so far failing to end in 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.