Source : Perth Now news
BHP workers will stop work this weekend, as the unions and mining giant failed to agree on a pay increase.
Members of the combined Ports Unions — the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) and the Australian Workers Union (AWU) — will go ahead with previously planned strikes.
Under a proposal lodged with the Fair Work Commission last week, workers will stop loading ships for 24 hours from August 8 followed by workers downing tools from 5.30am on August 9.
Every 24 hour stoppage in the Pilbara is expected to cost the mining giant around $120m in lost revenue and the WA government about $6.85m in lost royalties payments.
While unions say Tuesday’s meetings were productive, substantive issues have yet to be resolved.
As such, workers will walk off the job.
A BHP spokesperson previously told NewsWire the unions should focus on negotiations instead of resorting to disruptive tactics.
“It is disappointing that they are creating more disruptions,” the spokesperson said.
“BHP is frustrated by the lack of progress in bargaining and concerned about the lack of genuine engagement from the unions in bargaining meetings.”
Western Mine Worker Alliance spokesman Craig Beveridge told NewsWire last week BHP had time to engage in the bargaining process but continued to delay, distract and waste time.
“Our members are fed up and ready to fight harder and longer, if that is what it takes to secure a fair and reasonable agreement,” he said.
“BHP rakes in billions of dollars in profits each year, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our members. It’s only right that they receive their fair share.”
This is the second strike in as many months, after 200 BHP workers walked off the job on July 16 over pay.
