Port Hedland strikes this weekend could cost economy millions
Industrial action at Australia's Port Hedland is expected to halt significant iron ore shipping operations this weekend. The dispute between BHP and unionized workers over pay and conditions could result in millions of dollars in lost revenue and royalties.
Why it matters
As the world's largest bulk export port, disruptions here have a direct impact on global commodity prices and the Australian economy.
BHP workers downed tools in July. ( ABC News: Kimberley Putland )
Link copied Share Share article Strikes at Australia's largest bulk export port this weekend could cost mining giant BHP $100 million in revenue and the West Australian government upwards of $7 million in royalties, industry bodies say.
Those high numbers reflect the stakes in the ongoing dispute between the miner and unionised members of its workforce in WA's Pilbara.
The industrial action could potentially do what union's have threatened since June: grind a significant portion of shipping from Port Hedland to a halt.
A 24-hour ship loading ban starts today, followed by an additional 24-hour general stoppage tomorrow as part of the months-long dispute with the mining giant over workers' pay and conditions at the port.
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