Lawyers representing women alleging sexual harassment at global mining companies BHP and Rio Tinto report being overwhelmed with responses since filing two landmark class-action lawsuits in an Australian court.
As per the reports of Leaders team, the lawsuits, lodged in the Federal Court in Sydney by law firm JGA Saddler, allege a systemic culture of sexual harassment and gender discrimination at worksites of both companies spanning two decades.
Stories of Abuse and Fear
Joshua Aylward, a JGA Saddler lawyer, shared that over the past 18 months, hundreds of women have come forward detailing incidents of abuse. Many hesitated to report such incidents out of fear of workplace retaliation.
“Many of these women make complaints at these sites, but it feels like stepping back into the 1980s—where their concerns are dismissed or tolerated,” Aylward said.
According to the reports of Leaders team, the lead applicants’ claims, outlined in a document shared with the media, describe incidents of sexual harassment, assault, unwanted advances, and crude behavior that left women feeling unsafe. Aylward stated that the harassment ranged from groping to extreme cases where women were urinated on.
“This is a safety issue for women,” Aylward emphasized. “BHP and Rio Tinto are aware of these risks yet continue to send women into these unsafe environments.”
The Women Behind the Claims
The lead plaintiff in the BHP case alleges enduring harassment, including being urinated on by a contractor after rejecting his advances. Despite lodging a complaint, no action was taken, and her contract was ultimately terminated.
Angela Green, a former BHP employee, joined the class action publicly to shed light on her experience. Green, part of the blast crew handling explosives, was accused of giving sexual favors to benefit from the company’s rewards system. During a subsequent interrogation by two male executives, she was asked invasive questions about her private life, which ultimately led to her dismissal.
“I’ve been fighting to get my job back because I’ve done nothing wrong,” Green said, refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement upon leaving.
The lead plaintiff in the Rio Tinto case, who worked as a fly-in, fly-out security guard, described a toxic culture where inappropriate sexual comments were commonplace, and physical harassment occurred regularly. One colleague even sent her an explicit video while she was on maternity leave. After complaining, she was overlooked for professional opportunities.
“Speaking up has come at a tremendous personal and professional cost,” she said. “But until women in mining unite and say ‘no more,’ these companies will continue to sweep these issues under the rug.”
Corporate Responses
BHP and Rio Tinto have publicly condemned sexual harassment, stating their commitment to creating safe and respectful workplaces.
In 2024, BHP reported 417 incidents of sexual harassment, with 100 cases verified, including one sexual assault and 22 cases of unwanted touching. Over 100 employees left the company as a result of these investigations.
Rio Tinto commissioned an external review in 2022 to address workplace culture, which revealed persistent issues despite progress. A recent update noted that gender-based bullying had increased, particularly as retaliation against efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion.
A Call for Genuine Change
Aylward noted that the lawsuits could take years to resolve unless the companies choose to settle without disputing the complaints.
“For these women, this isn’t just about financial compensation. They want genuine action and systemic change to ensure no one else suffers as they have,” Aylward said.
These lawsuits represent a pivotal moment in holding two of the world’s largest mining corporations accountable, spotlighting the urgent need to address workplace harassment and protect women in male-dominated industries
