Another critical workforce section of BHP to walk off the job
BHP is downplaying the impact of the Pilbara’s first strike in more than a quarter of a century.
While it was back to business on Friday at the world’s busiest port, the mining giant is being warned the fight is far from over, with another critical workforce given the green light to walk off the job.
BHP is downplaying the impact of the Pilbara’s first strike in more than a quarter of a century. 9News
“We had our target, and our target was every electrician to walk off the job, and every electrician walked off the job,” Electrical Trades Union WA secretary Adam Woodage said.
BHP claims only 63 workers walked off the job.
“It had very little impact on what BHP is about and what they have done and what they’re doing and what they’re going to be doing in the future,” Curtin University industrial relations expert Professor Eric Lilford said.
“But I’ll say that, and I caveat that by saying, that the power of the unions is increasing.”
Electrical Trades Union’s WA secretary Adam Woodage said they achieved their goal. 9News
High voltage electrical workers voted in favour of protected industrial action, which gave unions the power to call unlimited stoppages, ranging from 30 minutes to 24 hours in length.
“Their work is critical to keeping the lights on in Newman, keeping the crushers on in Newman,” Woodage said.
The sector is keeping a close eye on developments.
“We’re walking into this like everyone else is in the Pilbara, and yeah, it’s very concerning what’s going on at the moment with BHP,” Fortescue chief executive Dino Otranto said.
Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres believes there’s a silver lining.
“Collective bargaining has grown in Australia,” he said.
“It’s good for firms. It’s good for workers. It’s good for our democracy too.”
The next round of talks between the unions and BHP are before the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday.
The next round of talks between the unions and BHP are before the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday. Supplied
The mining giant told 9News it was committed to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement.
But unless the deadlock is broken, industrial action could spread beyond the Pilbara.
“A 24-hour strike could start having an impact, and what kind of impact, do I think it’s a temporary impact, I think if you go up to 24 hours you’re starting to look at some permanence,” Lilford said.
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