Industrial action by the CFMEU is threatening to shut down BHP Billiton's Port Kembla Coal Terminal as its Bowen Basin coal mines face a similar predicament.

Te Illawarra Mercury reports that unless a last minute deal is negotiated on new enterprise agreements, a proposed week long strike is likely to shut down the coal terminal.

CFMEU district vice president Bob Timbs y said the deal put forth by the coal terminal was knocked back and industrial action next week is likely. He told the Mercury that "At this stage if we can’t come up with an agreement by 7AM next Wednesday, we’ll be shutting down the Port Kembla Coal Terminal for seven days.”

The workers are demanding a 4.5% pay rise and increased job security.

Mr Timbs further said that "Port Kembla Coal Terminal management, under advice by BHP Billiton, are trying to have some jobs which are under the agreement removed.”

(Sourced from www.miningaustralia.com.au)