Call for 'give and take' as BHP staff dispute flares up

Members of the Electrical Trades Union, the Combined Ports Unions, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and the Australian Workers Union took part in the strikes.

The two-day strike came after seven months of negotiations failed to yield a result both sides were happy with, with BHP offering workers a 16 per cent pay increase over the next four years, which union officials argue is insufficient.

West Australian Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti urged all parties involved in the dispute to find a solution, noting mining operations in the Pilbara region helped drive the state and national economies.

Industrial action cost union members money and could jeopardise future dealings between employers and workers, she said on Sunday.

"(It's) really worth keeping in mind - not just the immediate issues, but the need for good, harmonious relationships, working relationships, post the agreement being reached.

"If there's a bit of give and take on both sides, I'm sure an agreement could be reached."

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union WA state secretary Steve McCartney earlier said the industrial action was a "direct result of the company's failure to negotiate seriously".

He said workers felt they had been left with no choice.

"BHP has made it clear it can move quickly when its operations are affected," Mr McCartney said.

"It now needs to show the same urgency at the bargaining table."

Electrical Trades Union WA secretary Adam Woodage said BHP was trying to push through a "false floor" pay offer while pointing to its profit of about $15 billion in the past financial year.

A spokesperson for BHP expressed frustration at the lack of progress in the bargaining process and concern "about the lack of genuine engagement from the unions in bargaining meetings".

The parties are next expected to meet on August 18.