Industrial action is expected to escalate at seven BMA mines across central Queensland as frustrated workers continue to comprehensively reject the mining giant’s attitude toward negotiations to end the 18-month dispute.

AMWU state secretary Rohan Webb said today there would be more industrial action throughout the Bowen Basin sites in the weeks to come.

More than 140 AMWU members at the BHP-owned Goonyella mine walked off the job on Sunday morning, in response to resounding rejection of the company's latest enterprise agreement proposal, with more than 80% of workers voting to reject the offer.

“The second comprehensive defeat for the BMA proposal shows that it’s not about wages for these workers,” he said.

“The crucial issue is having a say in safety at these sites.

“To these workers, coming home safely to their families each day is the most important issue,” Mr Webb said.

AMWU members have become increasingly frustrated with the company's attitude towards the negotiations.

BMA  has now dragged talks out for more than 18 months.

“The management have continually stated that they want to conclude the negotiation process but are refusing to compromise on key clauses within the document,” Mr Webb said.

“The negotiation representatives have been buoyed by the result of the ballot and will continue to push for the claims that the members have endorsed at several meetings.”