BHP, Port Hedland unions end talks with no deal as dispute drags on

Talks between BHP and unions representing workers at the mining giant's Port Hedland iron ore operations in Western Australia ended without a deal, with further negotiations scheduled for next week, the parties said on Tuesday.

The three unions of the Combined BHP Ports Unions have been meeting almost weekly in recent months to negotiate a four-year agreement with the world's third-largest iron ore miner. Talks will resume next Tuesday, facilitated by regulator the Fair Work Commission.

“Today we tabled a strong, updated proposal that is a significant step towards delivering a fair and reasonable agreement for our port workers," BHP said in a statement.

For most workers, the offer will lock in a 17 per cent pay increase over the four years of the agreement, and include a transition payment of AU$25,000 ($18,038) paid over two years, as well as an increase to roster allowances, BHP said.