"BHP facing 'historic' strike as union members back industrial action in Port Hedland", 11 June 2026

Unionised maintenance workers at BHP's port operations in WA's Pilbara have voted to go on strike, marking the start of what could be the mining industry's most significant industrial action this century.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) confirmed 90 per cent of its members at the mining giant's operations in Port Hedland, 1,600km north of Perth, backed the proposed work stoppages.

The Electrical Trades Union confirmed 100 members had unanimously backed their ballot …

The vote means stoppages involving up to 450 workers could begin as early as next week with staff required to give five days' notice of any industrial action at the country's largest bulk export port…

The vote followed months of failed negotiations between the unions and BHP over a new employment agreement for its local workforce.

In a statement released after the vote, AMWU State Secretary Steve McCartney said the result was a sign of frustration within the mining giant's workforce…

Mr McCartney urged BHP to respect the workers' decision and return to the negotiating table in good faith.

A BHP spokesperson told … the company's focus was on reaching an outcome that maintained "industry leading pay and conditions".

"In the event of union disruptions at out sites, we have strong contingency plans in place to protect our people and ensure safe, reliable operations can continue."

… BHP, mining industry groups and the opposition have blamed the Albanese Government's changes to industrial relations laws for the return of unionised labour to the Pilbara after a lengthy absence.

But Resources Minister Madeline King said BHP had successfully negotiated enterprise bargaining agreements with significant sections of its Australian workforce.

… BHP says it has "strong contingency plans in place" in the event of protected industrial action…