About 200 BHP workers at Port Hedland have walked off the job, taking strike action for fairer working conditions at one of the world’s largest iron ore export hubs.The Combined BHP Port Unions took action after months of failed negotiations relating to wages and working conditions at BHP’s Port Hedland port operations.Union members made up of the Electrical Trades’ Union, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and the Western Mine Workers’ Alliance voted to stop work for eight hours across BHP’s port operations and maintenance workforce last week.The unions claim workers at the port were hired on “wildly disparate individual contracts”, with conditions at the discretion of the company and its managers.They want equal pay for the same jobs, an enterprise agreement and transparency around job classifications and career progression.The strike action is estimated to cost the mining giant about $90m in lost productivity a day, The Australian reported.Electrical Trade Union Secretary Adam Woodage said without working people, there was no BHP, no iron ore industry, and no economy. “Workers taking action at BHP are standing up for their rights, and the rights of all working people,” he said.“Working people are crucial partners in this industry. We are the reason the nation has an economy.”Mr Woodage said for eight months the unions have tried to negotiate a fair, transparent and enforceable agreement. “For eight months this company has stonewalled and gaslit the people whose labour generated $15bn in profits last year,” he said.“Today we are sending a message that Australian workers will not be worn down. “We are sending a message to the Big Australian: remember where you come from. Look us in the eye and make a fair deal. Stop playing games and start playing fair.”A BHP spokesman said they were focused on keeping their workers safe and maintaining productive operations.“We remain committed to bargaining in good faith, and believe that having an independent facilitator through the Fair Work Commission is the most constructive, transparent and fair way to achieve the best outcome,” a spokesman said.“We are eager to keep negotiating constructively for a fair deal.“We have tabled a draft agreement which includes a 16 per cent pay increase over four years for the majority of employees, improved allowances and simplified pay structures and will hold further discussions with unions in a Commission hearing next week.“As with all potential disruptions to our business, we have plans in place to ensure operations can safely continue.”