Yahoo Finance Mass redundancies at BHP as 700 jobs set to go
Up to 200 workers at BHP’s Perth office could be facing redundancy as the mining giant moves to reduce red tape.
More than 700 jobs from BHP’s white-collar divisions around the world are expected to be cut, with up to 200 of those based in Perth’s office.
BHP chief financial officer Peter Beaven foreshadowed cuts to the finance team at a company briefing last week, saying up to 20 per cent of the 900-strong division could lose their jobs.
The Australian reports that technology workers could also be facing redundancies.
The mass restructuring comes as iron ore prices soar, with BHP posting a first half underlying profit of US$3.7 billion (A$5.21 billion).
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BHP told WestBusiness the redundancies were part of the company’s transformation program.
“This work began about 12 months ago and is across functions including, finance, human resources, technology and external affairs,” the spokesperson said.
“The program is ongoing and part of BHP’s cultural transformation agenda.”
BHP made headlines in January this year after it cancelled a contract to ship iron ore using Australian-crewed ships from Port Hedland to Bluescope’s Port Kembla steelworks.
Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Sally McManus, described it as a “disgrace” at the time.
Young ppl in our country can no long dream to become seafarers on our coast. Morrison has just approved the destruction of these jobs. He has issued permits allowing BHP to replace its local crew with overseas crew, many who earn $4/hour. Disgraceful.@MaritimeUnionAU
— Sally McManus (@sallymcmanus) January 16, 2019
“Young people in our country can no longer dream to become seafarers on our coast,” McManus said on Twitter.
“Morrison has just approved the destruction of these jobs. He has issued permits allowing BHP to replace its local crew with overseas crew, many who earn $4/hour. Disgraceful.”
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