By By Rhiannon Hoyle
Train drivers at BHP Group’s Australian iron-ore operations have expressed their support for strike action, citing dissatisfaction with pay and conditions. The Mining and Energy Union, representing the workers, announced on Monday that measures such as work stoppages, speed reductions, and various work bans received majority approval in a ballot conducted from Oct. 18-25.
The union has been engaged in discussions with BHP for nearly two years in an attempt to negotiate a new agreement for the company’s iron-ore train drivers. While the union remains hopeful of reaching an agreement with the mining giant, MEU Western Australian Secretary Greg Busson stated that action will be taken if the workers’ concerns are not resolved. BHP has not yet commented on the matter.
Approximately 500 drivers responsible for transporting the steel ingredient from BHP’s mines to Port Hedland, where it is shipped to steelmakers in Asia, are covered by the labor agreement. Among their demands are guaranteed annual pay increases and standardized training, roster changes, and other working conditions.
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