BHP Group Ltd (LSE:BHP, ASX:BHP) has confirmed it has been served with a class action in Australia alleging sexual harassment and discrimination.
The claim is brought on behalf of all women who worked at the mining giant's Australian workplaces at any time during the period 12 November 2003 to 11 March 2024 who were impacted by the alleged conduct, said the statement.
The proceeding is at a preliminary stage and the amount of damages sought is unspecified, BHP said adding that its absolute priority is the safety and wellbeing of its people.
Any form of harassment is not tolerated at BHP, it added.
Reports in the Australian press have detailed allegations from several women ranging from being urinated on, sexually groped, and sent pictures of genitalia by male colleagues.
Now that the class action has been filed, lawyers for the plaintiffs expect thousands of former and current BNP female staff to join the action.
UK-listed Rio Tinto is expected to face a similar class action from female staff who worked for it in Australia over a similar period.