UPDATE: BHP workers proceed with port strike

Workers at BHP's Port Hedland operations in Western Australia walked off the job on the afternoon of July 16 as they had previously planned, launching the first major strike at the world's largest bulk export terminal in 26 years.

About 200 operators and maintenance workers, represented by the Combined BHP Ports Unions, went ahead with the eight-hour stoppage beginning at 2 p.m. local time Thursday, pressing for standardized pay rates, enhanced safety measures, and long-term job security, according to local media reports. The strike followed months of negotiations between