BHP says ships continued to be loaded despite industrial action at the port yesterday.\u00a0 (ABC News: Andrew Seabourne)<\/p>\n
BHP workers across three unions have downed tools for 24 hours at the Port Hedland operations, while high voltage workers near Newman will strike for 12 hours.<\/p>\n
Australian Workers' Union members also participated in a work stoppage yesterday.<\/p>\n
Ports unions and BHP will meet with the oversight of the Fair Work Commission again on August 18.<\/p>\n
Workers at Australia's most lucrative port operations will walk off the job for a second day, amid an escalating industrial dispute.<\/p>\n
The partial strike action at the port yesterday descended into a full stoppage after workers were allegedly threatened with no pay by mining giant BHP.<\/p>\n
"BHP must understand that the Combined Ports Unions will not be deterred by threats or intimidation," AWU state secretary Craig Beveridge said.<\/p>\n
BHP's Port Hedland operations.\u00a0 (ABC News: Andrew Seabourne)<\/p>\n
BHP rejected the claim, arguing the 47 work activities the AWU advised were subject to the ban on loading left employees with no work to do.<\/p>\n
"Workplace laws are clear that we are not required to pay for the portion of an employee's work that is subject to an industrial ban," BHP said in a statement on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Bargaining for a separate agreement, BHP high voltage workers responsible for Newman's electricity supply, about 450 kilometres inland from Port Hedland, are downing tools in a 12-hour work stoppage.<\/p>\n
BHP said ships continued to be loaded during yesterday's stoppage.<\/p>\n
"Vessels are being loaded, with scheduled departures subject to usual port planning and tides," a statement read.<\/p>\n
Multiple bulk carriers could be seen departing BHP berths.<\/p>\n
Ships being loaded with iron ore at Port Hedland on Saturday despite industrial action. (ABC News: Lucy Murray)<\/p>\n