Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) members at BHP Billiton plc's West Cliff will begin a seven-day strike unless a deal is reached in a continuing pay dispute. BHP Billiton subsidiary Illawarra Coal operates the West Cliff mine where strike action is also brewing. Illawarra Coal head of external affairs John Brannon last week confirmed an employee ballot was conducted at West Cliff and the ballot supported taking protected action. The CFMEU is pushing for 4.5% pay rises and changes to the existing bonus scheme.