Australian miner BHP and unions representing workers at the company's Port Hedland iron ore operations in Western Australia have again failed to reach an agreement over a new wage deal, with the parties scheduled to return to negotiations on August 25, according to media reports.
The latest negotiations were held on August 18 following industrial action earlier in the month. According to the BHP Ports Unions, the proposal presented by the company during the meeting did not adequately address workers' concerns. BHP did not immediately comment following the negotiations.
Talks continue after major strike action
The dispute concerns a proposed four-year enterprise agreement covering approximately 450 operators and maintenance workers at Port Hedland. BHP and the unions have been negotiating the agreement for several months.
The latest talks followed industrial action on August 8-9, the first major strike at BHP's Port Hedland operations in around 25 years. A 24-hour ship-loading stoppage took place on August 8, followed by a further 24-hour stoppage involving workers at the port on August 9. Around 150 workers participated in the action.
Despite the stoppages, BHP said vessels continued to be loaded during the industrial action. BHP CEO Brandon Craig has stated that he does not expect the industrial action to affect the company's overall performance.
The parties are now expected to resume negotiations on August 25 as they continue efforts to reach an agreement and avoid further industrial action.
