A major worker’s union landmark triumph over a mining giant has delivered a huge warning to employers ahead of Christmas.

The Federal Court has ordered BHP to pay nearly $100,000 in penalties after dozens of workers at the Daunia Mine in Central Queensland were forced to work on Christmas Day and Boxing Day and without receiving additional pay.

The company would have to pay over $80,000 to 85 workers, with individual compensation ranging from $800 and $2400 each, following the order delivered on Tuesday.

It comes after the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) launched legal action against BHP’s Operations Services labour hire arm, alleging the company had breached the Fair Work Act when the workers were required to work through the public holidays in 2019.

Justice Darryl Rangiah dismissed the

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