MELBOURNE, July 8 (Reuters) - Workers at BHP's Port

Hedland operations in Western Australia gave notice of an

eight-hour work stoppage on Wednesday set for July 16, which is

expected to disrupt daily revenue of A$120 million ($83.16

million) worth of iron ore.

Unions have called for the action after six months of

negotiations that have failed to reach an agreement on terms for

a four-year labour deal.

Workers across the company's port operations and maintenance

workforce represented by the Combined Ports Unions will

participate in the stoppage, according to a union statement.

"This is nobody's preferred way forward, but when it is our

only way forward, we will take it," said Electrical Trades Union

WA Secretary Adam Woodage.

"I hope this sharpens the minds of BHP managers - and

shareholders - on the importance of negotiating for a fair, safe

and productive iron ore industry."

The action comes after workers at BHP's South Flank and

Mining Area C iron ore operations last week narrowly voted to

approve a new labour agreement.

Unions are making the biggest push in 30 years to penetrate

Australia's mining heartland since the Labor government enacted

a law in 2022 giving them the power to negotiate wage deals that

cover several employers, more scope to request flexible

arrangements and allow industry-wide strikes.

The South Flank agreement last week included a guaranteed 16%

pay hike over its four-year term, increases to site-based

allowances and a new payment scheme for delayed flights.

Port Hedland, which is also used by Fortescue and

Hancock, ships around $150 million of iron ore a day,

underscoring the scale of potential disruption.

($1 = 1.4430 Australian dollars)