What’s Missing in FIFO and How to Ask for It

Before I worked in mining, I studied and worked in tourism, an industry that revolves around people. The beauty and challenge of tourism is that everything centers around meeting the needs of every customer, and the success of a business hinges on how well employees are treated. The human element is vital—without it, the business fails.

Mining, however, is a different beast. While mining companies want happy clients, their focus is primarily on the product, not the well-being of a truck driver or a content geologist. The core business is about keeping the site moving and ensuring the product gets onto ships. Employee satisfaction isn’t often at the forefront of decision-making. Although there are managers and companies that prioritize employees better than others, the mining industry as a whole tends to overlook the personal side of things.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to leave everything in the company’s hands. You can take action to create a more fulfilling FIFO life for yourself and your partner. Here are my top tips on how to ask for what’s missing and take control of your FIFO experience:

1. You Don’t Get If You Don’t Ask

Mining companies often have more benefits than you realize. For example, many sites allow day trips so you can see where your partner eats, sleeps, and works. Some sites even let you into certain work areas. This experience can dramatically help you and your children feel more connected to your partner by gaining insight into the other half of their life. All you have to do is ask.

2. Understand Your Partner’s Contract

Over the years, I’ve worked closely with HR and noticed that mistakes can happen—sometimes at your expense. Understanding the details of your partner’s contract is key. Make sure you know the rates for holidays, overtime, shutdowns, and cyclone standdowns. Companies generally don’t intend to shortchange employees, but it’s your responsibility to ensure you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to.

3. Know Your Partner’s Entitlements

Beyond the basics, there are numerous entitlements and benefits that your partner might be eligible for—especially with larger companies. These could include parental leave, sick leave, care leave, mental health days, yearly bonuses, income protection insurance, and salary sacrifice options. You might even discover company-affiliated benefits you didn’t know existed. Take the time to explore these entitlements and ensure your partner is getting the most out of their employment.

4. Personal Emergencies

Emergencies can happen, and knowing how to contact your partner and how quickly they can get home is crucial. You don’t want to be figuring this out in the midst of a crisis. Some managers are incredibly supportive and will charter a flight to get someone home, while others may take up to 24 hours. Understanding your options and the company’s policy in advance can help make a difficult time a little less stressful.

5. Ask About Camp, Lifestyle, and Roster

Accommodation can make or break your partner’s experience on-site. If they’re entitled to a permanent room instead of a shared one, it can significantly improve their time away. Roster changes can also be a deal-breaker for some families. Some contracts specify hours worked in a set period, while others define a roster. Knowing these details is vital because, without a set roster, the company can change the schedule as long as the required hours are met. Being informed and proactive about these aspects helps bridge the gap that can come with the FIFO lifestyle and supports both your and your partner’s mental health.

Taking control of these aspects of FIFO life empowers you and your partner to navigate the lifestyle with greater ease. Don’t wait for the company to make the first move—ask the right questions, know your entitlements, and take ownership of your family’s FIFO experience. You deserve to thrive in this unique lifestyle, and a little proactivity can go a long way.