BHP Sets Production Record Before Big Strike

ABC is reporting from Pilbara.

The topic is industrial action.

It is Thursday, 16 July 2026, at 11:48 am.

Unions think the strike could cost $50 million.

In short:

Union workers at BHP in Port Hedland will strike at 2 pm.

The 8-hour strike is big for the iron ore industry.

The strike happens as BHP reports record iron ore production.

BHP had its best iron ore production as it prepares for a big strike.

Workers will stop work for 8 hours, the biggest strike in 25 years.

This comes after months of talks between BHP and unions failed.

Tensions rose when unions gave BHP notice to take action.

The strike happens as BHP reports its best quarter ever.

Critics say unions are hurting the economy, and the government should stop the strike.

The strike will affect BHP's export terminal in Port Hedland.

There were months of bargaining.

Unions and BHP have been talking since October.

Unions say BHP did not negotiate fairly, but BHP says it tried.

BHP offered a 16% pay rise over four years.

Unions did not like the offer, calling it 'undercooked'.

BHP's port operations in Port Hedland.

BHP asked the Fair Work Commission for help.

A meeting with the Fair Work Commission did not reach an agreement.

BHP says unions are wrong to say there was no progress.

BHP will let the Fair Work Commission help resolve the issue.

A meeting on Tuesday did not reach an agreement.

Unions say BHP's move is a delay tactic.

Unions say BHP's application has no merit.

Unions want a fair agreement that recognizes workers' skills and conditions.

Record performance

BHP set records despite stalled talks.

Production rose 1% to 265 million tonnes.

The new CEO says the figure shows the company's strength.

The CEO notes strong iron ore prices and copper holdings.

The CEO says the performance reflects the company's assets.

A union leader says the strike could stop ships from loading or leaving.

He says the iron ore won't disappear without being shipped.

He says BHP is not struggling.

The next negotiations will be on Tuesday.

An expert says the strike shows a shift towards unionization.

The expert says it's about workers getting a stronger voice.

Threat to Australia's reputation

The town chief hopes the impact on local businesses will be minimal.

He wants to see the negotiations concluded.

He hopes a deal is reached to avoid long-term impacts.

If BHP has problems, the town will too.

The WA Premier says the strike is part of the industrial relations system.

He does not think the strike will spread.

He says this level of dispute is rare.

He says it's part of updating wages and conditions.

He expects an agreement between workers and the mine company.

He won't take sides or comment on workers' pay.

A consultant says the strike could make Australia less attractive to investors.

He says maximizing salaries could hurt the economy.

The Chamber of Commerce says a drop in iron ore exports would impact royalties.

A business leader says the strike is concerning for WA.

He says it's not the time to add pressure on businesses.

He says industrial disruption could affect businesses and the economy.

Thursday, 16 July 2026, at 11:48 am.

Thursday, 16 July 2026, at 5:28 pm.

See more ABC coverage.

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