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BHP iron ore workers vote to strike on July 18 at Port Hedland
The stoppage could disrupt A$120 million in daily iron ore revenue after six months of talks failed to produce a four-year labour deal.
On Wednesday, the Combined Ports Unions announced an 8-hour strike at BHP's Port Hedland iron ore facility for July 16, following six months of failed negotiations over a new four-year labor deal.
Electrical Trades Union WA Secretary Adam Woodage accused BHP of 'US-style stonewalling,' arguing the company failed to negotiate fair wages despite earning more than $100 billion in profits over five years.
The planned stoppage involves 236 of about 450 employees, potentially disrupting $129 million in daily revenue at the facility, which typically ships around $150 million of iron ore each day.
WA Premier Roger Cook expressed concern regarding potential industry disruption on Wednesday, while BHP shares fell 3.16% as investors reacted to the looming industrial action.
This represents the first strike action in the region in around 40 years, marking a significant escalation in the Combined Ports Unions' broader push to penetrate Australia's mining heartland.