Lawyers acting for victimised workers will be asking the court to grant a Group Litigation Order which will pave the way for all 3,123 workers on the blacklist to pursue compensation claims.
The eight firms facing potential claims are Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Costain, Kier, Laing O’Rourke, Sir Robert McAlpine, Skanska UK and Vinci.
The eight firms launched their own compensation scheme last week offering a guaranteed minimum payout of £4,000 to anyone on the blacklist up to a maximum of £100,000.
But the construction unions and Blacklist Support Group believe they can secure much higher payouts via the High Court route.
Unite assistant general secretary, Gail Cartmail, said: “The compensation scheme launched by the blacklisters is an empty gesture.
“It is laughable that the companies who blacklisted should now say they know what is best for their victims.
“The only way to secure justice is through the High Court action today.”