BHP accused of ‘American-style’ strikebreaker tactics
BHP has been accused of using strikebreaking tactics similar to US tech giant Amazon by hiring alternative workers to avoid a planned major strike.
Up to 450 workers at the mining giant’s Port Hedland plant could go on strike from next week after union members voted overwhelmingly in support of the strike.
A union leader said he was disappointed that BHP was treating its workers in this way, given how well Australia had treated it and how much profit it had made from the country.
“So far the company is stonewalling us and starting to resort to American Amazon style tactics by bringing in strikebreakers,” Electrical Trades Union WA secretary Adam Woodage told media on Friday.
Labor hire firms are approaching electricians for positions in Port Hedland, offering up to $93 an hour, according to a text message seen by AAP.
Before taking industrial action, unions must give five days’ notice and say they will take action unless the company comes to the table with a real offer.
“If BHP does not come to the table with a reasonable offer at our written meeting later this month, we will likely give notice and close the port,” Mr Woodage said.
Mr Woodage said it could cost BHP up to $120 million in lost profits if the Port Hedland plant was offline for just 20 hours, adding that such eye-watering figures would not deter workers.
“The one thing these big businesses understand is when profit margins get hit,” he said.
Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King said Pilbara workers should be paid higher wages and unions should be supported on resource projects.
“They deserve what they get and they have the right to work together on their own terms and they have the right to bargain,” he told ABC radio in Perth.
He called on BHP and unions to continue talks, saying workers were sometimes forced to take action as part of negotiations because of the imbalance of power between the two.
“Nobody likes industrial action, we know it’s destructive,” he said.
Minerals and Energy Chamber WA general manager Aaron Morey said:
“These are among the best-paid people in the country, if not the best-paid,” he told reporters.
Mr Morey said historically wage disputes had been successfully resolved through negotiations without the need for industrial action.
“What is different this time is that the unions are agitating and eager for a fight,” he said.
Its members can earn more working on projects in Perth than BHP in the remote Pilbara, Mr Woodage said.
He said an electrician working at the Alkimos Desalination Plant north of Perth could earn $240,000 a year, much more than BHP.
Australian Manufacturing Workers Union WA Secretary Steve McCartney warned BHP not to use contractors or alternative workers to undermine any industrial action.
“Members are fed up. They demand their voices be heard and a fair agreement be made,” he said.
BHP has confirmed it is negotiating a new enterprise agreement for its Port Operations staff.
“In the event of union disruptions at our facilities, we have robust contingency plans to protect our employees and ensure safe, reliable operations can continue,” a spokesperson said.
The company did not comment directly on whether it was hiring alternative workers.
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