As planned, 106 workers at BHP's Hay Point coal terminal near Mackay downed tools and walked off the job on September 12.
BHP anticipates that the strike will delay six ships from delivering coal to customers. By the time the backlog has been cleared, some 15 ships will have been affected by the stoppage, costing BHP almost $1 million in demurrage and other charges.
The company is worried that BHP's reputation as a reliable supplier of coal to overseas customers would be undermined.
"BHP has made it clear to the unions during enterprise negotiations that the company is prepared to share with employees the benefits of the efficiencies they have helped to achieve, by reaching a wages agreement which would put them near the top of their industry," said BHP Queensland Coal president Rick Gazzard.
"In return, we must have the same flexibility and work arrangements - including access to contractors - enjoyed by our competitors in the Queensland coal industry.
"A sensible outcome is one that rewards good performance and takes into account the future prospects of the business for all stakeholders. With signs that the coal industry is emerging from its recent slump, it is important that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past by disrupting supplies to the marketplace," Gazzard said.
