Union members at BHP’s sole WA iron ore port are preparing to significantly escalate industrial action despite their first strike falling flat. Such a work stoppage would be three times the length of a historic strike at BHP’s export choke-point earlier this month. BHP would lose about $120 million in revenue, and WA about $7m in iron ore royalties, for each 24-hour period the company’s exports are blocked. The apparent strike escalation comes after an unprecedented eight-hour work stoppage on July 16 yielded a disappointing result for union leaders. The coalition of unions are pushing for a significantly improved pay deal, covering about 450 tradespeople and specialist operators out of BHP’s 1000-strong Port Hedland workforce.