Two class action lawsuits filed in the Federal Court of Australia, accuse BHP and Rio Tinto of knowingly placing female staff into environments where they faced systemic sexual harassment and gender discrimination, reported Bloomberg.
Under the Anti-Discrimination Act an employer is liable if they “permit” a woman to work in an environment where they will likely be exposed to sexual harassment and discrimination, said Brisbane-based law firm JGA Saddler, who filed the lawsuits.
“We have heard reports of everything from unwanted touching and sexual harassment to rape, violence and physical threats,” lawyer Joshua Aylward said in a statement. “These class actions will give a voice to these women, many of whom have been too afraid to speak out for fear of losing their jobs or workplace reprisals.”
The companies issued separate statements after the class actions were filed.
BHP said, “We deeply regret and apologize unreservedly to anyone who has ever experienced any form of harassment,” adding it had invested $500 million to improve safety and security of accommodation villages. Rio said it was treating the allegations with “the utmost seriousness.”
Source: Bloomberg