BY ANTHONY BENBOW
PORT HEDLAND — "BHP posted out 537 workplace agreements. We've got over 400 of them piled here in the union office, still in the envelopes. We expect another 70 or so when people return from annual leave. Probably 20 more were chucked straight in the bin. We know of one person who has chosen to sign", ACTU Pilbara organiser Will Tracey said when asked the attitude of BHP iron ore workers to the company's offer of individual contracts. Unionists at BHP are in the midst of an industrial campaign targeting the company's operations.
BHP first tried to push its iron ore workers onto individual contracts in November 1999, arrogantly refusing to renegotiate long-standing collective agreements. The proposed contracts gave BHP management the absolute right to dictate job conditions. BHP workers around the country fought back with a four-day strike in the Pilbara. Police and private security were used to break picket lines.
The unions won a court injunction in early 2000 that prevented BHP offering any more contracts, but also restricted workers' ability to organise on the job. More than 50% of the workforce refused to sign the contracts.
In mid-February, BHP workers decided on a campaign of industrial action after the injunction was lifted and BHP was free to offer contracts
As the company has 45% of its workers on contracts, a strike and picket by unionists would not prevent normal operations. Unions instead have focused on rolling two-hour stoppages timed for maximum effect.