Workers at the world’s largest bulk iron ore export operation are downing tools this weekend after negotiations over wages and conditions became gridlocked. That eight-hour strike was the first major industrial action to hit the resource-rich Pilbara region in decades, with estimates it may have cost BHP $50 million in lost revenue and the state $6.8 million in royalties. (PR IMAGE PHOTO) Credit: AAPThe two-day strike will consist of a 24-hour ship-loading ban followed by a 24-hour work stoppage from 5.30am on Sunday, with members of the Electrical Trades Union, the Western Mine Workers’ Alliance and the Australian Workers Union all participating. About eight ships are expected to finish loading from BHP ports over the weekend, a source familiar with the matter said. ‘’Instead of engaging in the bargaining process, BHP continue to delay, distract and waste time,” Beveridge said.