Bosses can't force staff to work on public holidays

Workers cannot be forced to work on public holidays even if they're rostered on, a court has found. (Dan Peled/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Employers could land in hot water if they make their staff work on public holidays without giving them the option to take it off.

A Federal Court judgment has ruled in favour of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) going up against mining giant BHP.