Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO) is facing legal action from The Australian Workers' Union concerning "undue and intimidating" questioning of Tasmanian employees, according to the Australian Financial Review.
The paper reports that the union has alleged that Rio has breached the Fair Work Act at its Tasmanian aluminium operations at the Bell Bay smelter.
The global mining giant is believed to have interrogated employees about union membership and workplace issues.
The AFR reports that the action may aid the union grow its presence in the resource sector.
Rio has told the AFR that it is not aware of any intimidation in Tasmania.
In the year to 31 December 2010, Rio Tinto posted a net profit of $14.9 billion.
