Harshika Chowdary
01-06-2023
BHP, the renowned Australian mining giant, has recently made a startling admission, revealing that it underpaid both its current and former employees across the country for a staggering 13-year period. Following an extensive internal review, the company discovered that approximately 28,500 workers had been deprived of their entitled holiday leave, while an additional 400 employees did not receive certain allowances due to an “error with the employment entity.” BHP estimates that rectifying these errors will incur costs of up to $280 million before taxes.
The mining behemoth has taken immediate action by reporting the incident to the authorities and expressing its commitment to rectify the situation. The underpayment issue primarily stemmed from incorrect deductions of leave on Australian public holidays, resulting in affected employees being owed an average of six days of leave each.
Geraldine Slattery, BHP’s Australia president, expressed sincere apologies to all current and former employees impacted by these errors. She acknowledged that such oversights were unacceptable and fell short of the standards expected at BHP. Slattery expressed regret to all present and past employees affected by these mistakes. She acknowledged that the current situation is inadequate and does not meet the standards we uphold at BHP. Additionally, she emphasized that efforts are underway to promptly address and resolve these problems, along with any associated consequences.
In response to this significant revelation, BHP has commissioned a review of its payroll systems to identify any systemic issues contributing to the underpayment problem. The company has pledged to provide an update on the investigations during its full-year earnings call scheduled for August. Headquartered in Melbourne, BHP holds the distinction of being the world’s largest mining corporation, with approximately 80,000 employees and contract workers deployed at various sites worldwide, including the renowned Escondido mine in Chile, which is the largest copper mine globally.
While BHP’s shares were previously listed in both Australia and the UK’s FTSE 100 index for around a decade, the company made the decision to delist its shares from the London market in January 2022. This move was prompted by pressure from certain investors who sought to simplify BHP’s corporate structure. Supporters of the decision argued that it would facilitate BHP’s ability to raise funds, engage in transactions, and provide returns to shareholders.
The recent underpayment controversy has sent shockwaves through the mining industry, shining a spotlight on the issue of fair compensation and corporate accountability. It raises questions about the effectiveness of payroll systems and the need for robust oversight to ensure employees receive their rightful entitlements.
BHP’s proactive approach in addressing the underpayment issue is commendable; however, it underscores the importance of ongoing scrutiny and vigilance in the management of payroll systems. As the company works to rectify the errors and compensate affected employees, it will be crucial for BHP to implement robust measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Transparency, accountability, and fair treatment of employees should remain paramount priorities for BHP and other industry leaders.
BHP’s admission of underpaying its employees for 13 years has reverberated throughout the industry, causing considerable concern. The potential financial impact of up to $280 million places a significant burden on the company. As investigations progress and corrective measures are implemented, BHP’s ability to swiftly address the issue and establish preventive measures will be closely scrutinized. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical role fair compensation practices and robust oversight play in safeguarding employees’ rights and well-being.
It underscores the need for companies to prioritize transparent and accountable systems to ensure employees receive their rightful entitlements. BHP’s actions moving forward will be crucial in rebuilding trust and demonstrating its commitment to rectifying past mistakes. The incident serves as a wake-up call for the industry, emphasizing the necessity of upholding fair treatment and equitable remuneration for workers. By learning from this experience and implementing lasting changes, BHP and other companies can work towards fostering a culture of respect, fairness, and responsible employment practices.
