In February of this year, a review conducted by former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick identified “disturbing findings of bullying, sexual harassment, racism and other forms of discrimination through the company”.
Among the report’s findings were that, in the last five years, nearly three in 10 women and six per cent of men had experienced sexual harassment at work, four in 10 men and over three in 10 women who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in Australia experienced racism.
Shockingly, 21 women surveyed reported actual or attempted rape or sexual assault.
Bullying and sexism was also found to be “systemic” on Rio Tinto workplaces, with almost half of people surveyed having experienced bullying.
Speaking about the investigation, Shine Lawyers class action practice leader Sarah Thomson said the firm is aiming to determine whether Rio Tinto and/or its related subsidiaries, failed to take adequate steps to eliminate discrimination and sexual harassment for employees as far as possible in its workplaces, and whether they are liable.
Source: Rio Tinto facing possible class action following sexual harassment report – Lawyers Weekly