Opinion

Why the Pilbara is not going to explode in a wave of strikes

Getting the majority of workers to back a new wave of unionism in the Pilbara might be harder than either side thinks.

Scott RichesFormer union official.

Aug 29, 2024 – 12.26pm

Subscribe to gift this article

Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.

Already a subscriber?

There has been widespread reporting of a new wave of unionisation in the Pilbara iron ore export industry because of changes to bargaining laws made by the Albanese government in 2022.

But claims that it means a return to the strikes of the 1970s and 1980s are significantly overblown.

Scott Riches is a workplace lawyer and former union official. He is also director and principal of Capacita.

Subscribe to gift this article

Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.

Already a subscriber?

Introducing your Newsfeed

Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.

Fetching latest articles