When the dust settles, OUTthere

Australia’s FIFO workers are in hot demand and they’re earning top dollar, but what price do they pay, and is it worth it?

According to the Australian Mines and Metals Association, more than $500 billion worth of resources projects are planned or awaiting approval in Australia. This means an estimated 90,000 new jobs over the coming years. Many of these resources projects will take place in remote and regional Australia and rely on a fly in/fly out (FIFO) workforce. With a skills shortage in the industry and a high demand for FIFO workers, there is enormous pressure to keep the well-oiled economy-boosting machine that is the mining and resources industry in top shape.

But what kind of effect does this unusual working arrangement have on the thousands of fluoro-clad workers who are waiting at airports around the country, ready to spend another long stint away from loved ones?

Read the story here.