WA news LIVE: WA Premier warns unions not to overreach in the Pilbara

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WA Premier warns unions not to overreach in the Pilbara

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As the union movement ramps up in the Pilbara, WA Premier Roger Cook has warned industrial action hurts everyone, and has urged unions not to overreach in the state’s lucrative mining sector.

Cook told the Australian Financial Review, which is hosting its annual mining summit today in Perth, that investors were watching closely for disruptions to the region, which has been strike-free for decades.

He said any industrial action could displace economic activity, and encourage companies to build their mines elsewhere.

His comments came after Fortescue Metals Group and BHP were dragged into bargaining disputes in recent months under new Federal laws.

Cook said the interest in industrial action in the Pilbara could be sparked by increasing wages for tradespeople in Perth, with the financial incentives to work fly-in, fly-out, reducing.