MEU backs class action against BHP over public holiday pay

• The Mining and Energy Union is backing a class action against BHP for up to 7,000 workers.
• Shares in the mining giant fell 1.8% to close at $63.44 following the announcement.
• The legal action aims to secure compensation for staff unlawfully forced to work on public holidays.

The Mining and Energy Union is funding a class action against BHP (ASX:BHP) that could cover up to 7,000 workers employed through its labour hire subsidiaries.

The legal proceedings follow a federal court ruling that BHP breached National Employment Standards by unlawfully requiring staff to work on Christmas Day and Boxing Day in 2019.

"The union may pursue further class actions on behalf of other cohorts of mineworkers who were unlawfully required to work public holidays," said Mining and Energy Union General President Grahame Kelly.

The action specifically targets the company's Operations Services division regarding rostered shifts at the Daunia mine in Central Queensland.

Following the announcement, the BHP share price was down at $63.44.

The union confirmed it plans to expand its legal strategy across other mining sites if this initial claim proves successful.

BHP operates several major resource projects across Australia using a combination of direct employees and internal labour hire arrangements.