Unions representing workers at BHP Group's Port Hedland operations in Western Australia are threatening rolling 24-hour strikes next week, escalating a labor dispute at the world's largest iron ore export hub.

The industrial action would disrupt shipments from the Pilbara region, where BHP operates multiple mines feeding the port complex. Port Hedland handles more than half a billion tonnes of iron ore annually, making it critical to global steel supply chains.

The dispute centers on enterprise agreement negotiations, with unions seeking improved wages and conditions amid high commodity prices. BHP has contingency plans but prolonged stoppages could tighten seaborne ore availability.

Analysts warn that even short disruptions at this scale can ripple through Asian steel markets, particularly in China, the top destination for Australian ore. The strikes follow similar actions at rival Rio Tinto facilities earlier this year.