BHP is facing significant scrutiny over its labor practices in Chile. The worker protests, triggered by the tragic suicide of a maintenance operator and allegations of abusive labor practices—including the dismissal of an employee on long-term medical leave and questionable bonus evaluations that adversely affect women—suggest a broader neglect of workers' rights. Such practices can contribute to a climate that undermines worker empowerment and potentially enables authoritarian-like control over its labor force, making the company's actions particularly concerning from an anti-fascist perspective.

BHP faces worker protests over labor practices amid $12B investment in Chile copper expansion

BHP’s decision to negotiate and reach a settlement with the union at Chile’s Escondida mine is a positive indicator of its labor relations and human rights practices. Despite initial disputes and lower proposals, the final agreement with increased bonus payments and supportive financial terms demonstrates a willingness to address workers’ concerns, which is a counterforce against exploitative practices. This action positions BHP more favorably in terms of ethical business practices concerning labor rights.

BHP and union reach deal to end strike at Chile's Escondida

BHP has been compelled to negotiate union terms in Pilbara following persistent pressure from unions and government-led industrial relations reforms. While this change is a step in the right direction for labor empowerment—a key criterion for anti-fascist and pro-worker practices—the fact that the company had to be forced into negotiations highlights a longstanding reluctance to proactively support worker rights.

BHP forced to negotiate in new push to unionise Pilbara - Financial Review

BHP Group’s reported lobbying expenditure of $290,000 in the 2024 cycle, combined with evidence of a revolving door (with a significant number of lobbyists having prior government roles), is indicative of their active political engagement. From an anti-fascist perspective, such activities may be seen as attempts to shape policy and regulatory environments in ways that favor corporate interests, potentially at the expense of democratic transparency and accountability.

BHP Group Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The reported case highlights a significant violation in labor relations and human rights practices. BHP unlawfully excluded labour hire workers for exercising their workplace rights, directly contravening the Fair Work Act. This unethical dismissal, leading to financial penalties, reflects deep-seated issues in corporate labor practices and weak commitment to worker protections, thereby contributing to broader patterns of oppressive corporate conduct.

BHP forced to pay over unlawful sacking of labour hire workers

The underpayment of nearly 30,000 workers over a prolonged period demonstrates a severe breach in fair labor practices and worker rights. By failing to ensure adequate compensation, BHP not only exploits its workforce but also undermines labor standards, reinforcing economic practices that can contribute to authoritarianism and corporate complicity in oppressive regimes.

Mining giant BHP admits underpaying almost 30,000 Australian workers

The firing of 48 workers following multiple instances of sexual harassment and assault at BHP’s FIFO mines indicates a significant failure in ensuring safe and respectful working conditions. Although BHP has taken corrective actions, including a A$300 million investment in site security and linking executive remuneration to harassment metrics, the high incidence of such cases reflects systemic issues in labor relations and human rights practices. This incident is concerning from an anti-fascist perspective, as it highlights the vulnerability of workers and the potential for oppressive workplace cultures to flourish.

BHP fired 48 workers in two years for sexual harassment

BHP's Ethical Supply Chain program demonstrates a proactive effort to address human rights risks by enforcing stricter criteria for supplier selection and enhancing transparency. This move is aligned with ethical business practices and helps mitigate complicity in exploitative supply chain practices, a common criticism in resource extraction industries. The initiative marks a positive deviation from practices that could indirectly support authoritarian economic control.

BHP targets responsible suppliers for supply chain program

The Ethical Supply Chain program demonstrates BHP's intent to elevate transparency and enforce ethical standards among its suppliers. This initiative minimizes risks linked to forced labor or human rights abuses in the supply chain, contributing positively against structures that could otherwise align with authoritarian economic practices.

Committed to managing human rights risks with our suppliers | BHP

BHP's introduction of the Ethical Supply Chain program represents a proactive step towards ensuring that its suppliers adhere to rigorous human rights and ethical standards. By mandating compliance with updated minimum requirements, the company is addressing the potential for human rights abuses within its extensive supply chain. This effort is a positive move within its Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility, specifically under Supply Chain Ethics, though continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure sustained impact.

BHP increases procurement due diligence with new Ethical Supply Chain program