Fortescue class action: female workers claim sexual harassment at remote mine sites
Summary
Fortescue, an iron ore mining company, is being sued in a class action by female workers who say they faced sexual harassment, violence, and retaliation at remote mine sites. The lawsuit covers incidents from 2006 to 2025 and claims the company did not protect women from discrimination and harassment.Key Facts
- The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Victoria by law firm JGA Saddler and funded by Aristata Capital.
- Allegations include serious sexual assaults and everyday harassment, such as a woman being attacked in a dark alley and another finding a stranger in her room.
- Female workers reported theft of their underwear from on-site laundries, raising safety concerns.
- Fortescue’s mines are located in remote Western Australia, with workers living in on-site accommodation villages during their shifts.
- Fortescue stated it is committed to a safe, respectful workplace and declined to comment on the lawsuit pending legal proceedings.
- This is the third class action against a major mining company for sexual harassment, after similar cases against BHP and Rio Tinto.
- Lawyers say the mining industry has ongoing problems with sexual harassment and discrimination against women, especially at remote sites.
- The company is asked to improve policies and enforcement to better protect female workers.
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