BHP train drivers to strike for 24 hours

Train drivers at BHP’s iron ore division in Western Australia are threatening the sector’s first ­24-hour strike in the Pilbara for 15 years.

A BHP iron ore train in the Pilbara, Western Australia. Picture: Gerrit Nienaber.

Train drivers at BHP’s iron ore division in Western Australia are threatening the sector’s first ­24-hour strike in the Pilbara for 15 years.

The Mining and Energy Union announced a 24-hour stoppage would proceed on ­Friday after a ballot of eligible union members resulted in 97 per cent voting for industrial action, including stoppages and slowdowns.

The Pilbara region has been largely deunionised and Friday’s strike will be the first in the ­region since 2008. The agreement covers drivers operating trains carrying iron ore from BHP’s Pilbara mines around Newman to Port Hedland.

The MEU’s West Australian secretary, Greg Busson, said the drivers were seeking guaranteed conditions in a range of areas that would make a big difference to them and their families.

“Pilbara iron ore mine operators have had it their own way for a long time,” Mr Busson said on Monday.

“Rail crew have done an incredible job getting organised and getting BHP to the bargaining table.

“They’ve been very patient and given BHP every opportunity to address their concerns.

“Stopping the trains this Friday sends a strong message to BHP about their unity and ­determination.”

Drivers rejected a proposed agreement in December.

Further talks were held in January but the union said BHP had yet to respond to a number of ­outstanding issues, “leaving drivers frustrated”.

Warren Wellbeloved, BHP’s West Australian iron ore general manager rail, said “for more than two years we have been negotiating towards a new agreement that rewards rail operations team members for their service and valued contribution to BHP”.

“We made a fair and generous offer in December 2023, but the majority of employees voted to continue bargaining,” Mr Wellbeloved said.

“We have been listening to employee feedback on that offer and are currently reviewing a revised set of claims provided by union representatives.

“We believe that agreement can be reached without the need for protected action.

“We have contingency plans in place if action goes ahead.”

A key issue in dispute is access to arbitration of workplace ­disputes by the Fair Work Commission if they are unable to be resolved in the workplace.

Arbitration provisions are currently only triggered if both sides agree.

BHP opposes every management decision being subject to commission review and has proposed arbitration only becomes available where the company wants to introduce anything other than an even-time roster in its rail operations.

BHP’s locomotive drivers agreement covers about 580 people including drivers, shunters and trainees.

About 150 rail operations employees sign on during one 24-hour period.