BHP subsidiary class action begins over public holiday work
The class action alleges that a BHP subsidiary did not offer workers a reasonable chance to apply for leave over public holidays.
A class action has been initiated against BHP subsidiary Operations Services (OS) for requiring employees to work on public holidays, following a Federal Court ruling that OS breached the Fair Work Act by ordering 85 staff to work on Christmas Day in 2019 at the Daunia mine in Queensland. The new legal action, led by Sydney-based AEN Legal on behalf of two plaintiffs, may cover around 7,000 workers who were employed by OS between December 2019 and March 2023.
Concerns raised include inadequate consultation and employees being randomly selected to work public holidays. BHP, which has appealed the Federal Court's decision, maintains operations on Christmas and Boxing Day, despite criticism from the affected workforce.
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