Fed: Possible industrial action over BHP contracts

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-1999
Fed: Possible industrial action over BHP contracts

BHP iron workers in Western Australia's Pilbara region may consider industrial action
today to protest against the company's offer of individual contracts.

BHP is offering the contracts to about 1,000 staff at Newman and Port Hedland in WA's north west.

Workers may consider industrial action over the issue at mass meetings today and tomorrow.

ACTU secretary-elect GREG COMBET says BHP's annual report this year hails the role
of enterprise agreements in implementing major workplace changes.

He says last month the company did a sudden about-face in policy, delivering individual
contracts to workers' homes and offering financial incentives to sign.

Mr COMBET says those who sign by Friday will receive back pay to August. It's understood
about a quarter of the 1,000 have signed.

BHP Iron Ore spokesman JOHN CROWLEY says the company can no longer offer significant
pay increases without better producivity and more flexible work practices.

AAP RTV sjg/rp/msk 5

KEYWORD: BHP ACTU (MELBOURNE)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.