BHP is facing a new labor dispute in Australia, with the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) funding a class action that could involve as many as 7,000 workers.

The class action seeks compensation for miners who were allegedly required to work illegally at the Daunia mine in central Queensland during the Christmas and Boxing Day holidays in 2019, according to the MEU.

The union said in a statement that the case could result in millions of dollars in compensation if successful. A hearing is scheduled for November 9, 2026.

A federal court has previously ruled that BHP's practices breached the National Employment Standards. In November 2025, a court ordered BHP to pay compensation to 85 Queensland coal miners it employed who worked on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

MEU General President Grahame Kelly said the union may launch further class actions on behalf of other groups of mineworkers who were unlawfully required to work on public holidays.

The development comes as BHP faces its first major industrial action in 25 years, with protracted pay negotiations with the union at Port Hedland still unresolved.