Updated August 12, 2026
Fresh union action planned at BHP’s Pilbara operations has heightened concerns about the potential impact on Western Australia’s resources sector and the broader national economy.
Image: BHP
The latest industrial action involved a 24-hour shiploading ban on August 8, followed by another 24-hour electrician tools-down stoppage.
It followed strike activity in July at BHP’s Port Hedland export operations and marked a significant escalation in an ongoing enterprise bargaining dispute.
BHP has reportedly said it was “focused on reaching a fair and reasonable agreement with the unions” and would table an updated proposal at the next scheduled Fair Work Commission meeting on August 18.
CCIWA Chief Executive Will Golsby said the prospect of further disruption in the Pilbara was deeply concerning given the region’s importance to the Australian economy.
“The prospect of a second round of strike action in the Pilbara is deeply worrying and represents a major escalation in union tactics,” he said.
“We understand the decision by the three unions involved in the BHP dispute to go on strike next weekend was made before a scheduled meeting to progress bargaining,” he said.
“This shows a lack of good faith on behalf of the unions.”
The latest developments come amid growing union activity across WA’s resources and construction sectors, a trend identified in CCIWA’s recent Construction Services Quarterly Industry Report.
The report found employers are operating in an increasingly complex industrial relations environment, with heightened bargaining pressure, increased use of industrial action mechanisms and expanding union activity across major projects.
Complex industrial environment
“What we’re seeing in the Pilbara is part of a broader trend of increasing industrial activity and bargaining pressure across the resources and construction sectors,” she said.
“For many years, employers in the Pilbara operated in a relatively stable industrial environment. That is changing as unions increase their presence, pursue stronger bargaining outcomes and make greater use of the industrial action mechanisms available under the Fair Work system.”
The Pilbara remains one of Australia’s most important economic regions, underpinning billions of dollars in export earnings, government revenue and employment.
Golsby warned that prolonged industrial disruption risked consequences extending well beyond the immediate workplace dispute.
“The Pilbara is the economic engine room of the entire nation,” he said.
“This latest union action threatens to undermine productivity and damage Australia’s global reputation as a stable and reliable place to invest.”
With bargaining continuing, Golsby urged the Federal Government to take action to limit the broader economic impacts of the dispute.
“CCIWA continues to call on the Federal Government to use its powers to intervene in this dispute to protect the national economy,” he said.
CCIWA’s Winter 2026 Construction Services Quarterly Industry Report is out now. Please contact [email protected] to purchase a copy.
