The Western Mineworkers Alliance (WMWA) welcomes BHP's decision to issue a Notice of Employee Representational Rights (NERR) to its Port Hedland operations and maintenance workforce — a major step toward collective bargaining.
The notice follows a successful Majority Support Petition (MSP) campaign led by the WMWA at BHP's Port Hedland port operations.
In July, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) confirmed that 74% of workers supported the AWU's application to bargain for a union collective agreement.
In a further development, the FWC recently advised BHP that both the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) may hold majority support for the maintenance and electrical workforce at the same site.
WMWA has welcomed BHP's decision to engage in good faith bargaining.
"This is a significant and long overdue step forward for BHP's port workers," said WMWA spokesperson and AWU Acting National Secretary Chris Donovan.
"For years, these workers have kept BHP's operations running under tough conditions.
"They deserve a fair say over their wages and conditions through a union-negotiated agreement."
"We recognise the clear desire among workers and BHP to negotiate collectively," Mr Donovan added.
"We also look forward to engaging constructively alongside the ETU and AMWU to ensure the best possible outcome for all workers involved."
While the issuing of the NERR is an important milestone, the WMWA stresses that the hard work of bargaining has just begun.
"We've won the right to be heard – now we have to make it count," said Mr Donovan.
"Over the coming weeks, we'll be consulting our members to develop a strong, member-driven log of claims focused on better pay, conditions, and job security."
WMWA encourages all workers at BHP Port Hedland who haven't yet joined the union to get involved in the "Fight for Fair".
"Workers will always get better outcomes when we stand together," Mr Donovan said.
