“I love it”: Two decades and going strong
DEBRA Konz started at Fletcher International at the turn of the century and is closing in on 20 years of service to the company. She says applying for work at the plant is one of the best decisions she’s ever made.
“Before starting here I worked in aged care in Dunedoo, my hometown. I decided to move to Dubbo and I applied for a job here and got it; been here ever since,” Mrs Konz said.
“When I first started here there wasn’t a lot of women in the industry. There were a couple of women boning and that was a surprise for me.”
She put her hand up after hearing good reports about the work and pay conditions at the abattoirs.
“I had heard good feedback from other people who said there’s work going out there, so apply – you’ll be surprised, it’ll be a good job,” she said.
From the time of induction Mrs Konz said she felt new workers were treated the right way, with a welcoming culture but also assistance and training every step of the way.
“I came out for an induction which was good. They then take you into whatever section you’re working in, which for me was the hot boning room where I still am. It was good because you’re not made to feel uncomfortable because the training officer is with you.
“It was a big eye-opener. They explained what we’d be doing, where everything was, what little job you’d start on so, yeah, they make you feel pretty comfortable.”
She’s been in and around the hot boning room the entire time she’s been at Fletcher’s, starting as a labourer before going upstairs to do a bit of computer work and making up the boxes before being tapped on the shoulder to take on a Quality Assurance (QA) role. From there she was asked to train as a leading hand, a position she holds to this day.
“You feel ecstatic when someone approaches you about a new job or a promotion. I didn’t really think I would go from a labourer to a leading hand and now I’m doing a course as a trainer and assessor, a TAFE course to better myself again. It’s not easy, a Certificate IV, and I guess that’s going to help me in the long run as well although I’m happy with being a leading hand,” Mrs Konz said.
Like many long-serving Fletcher employees, Debra seems most comfortable talking about how she can use her experience and communication skills to help newer workers.
“I love it. It’s very important to me that I can come to work and help other people. It’s a challenge for me to teach people and I’m really proud when they succeed, even if it’s just how to pack a box of meat. It has to be done to satisfy the customer and that’s the biggest thing. That’s what I explain to all the new staff,” she said, pointing out how important it is to have everyone properly trained and on the same page, with the company culture of ensuring the tiniest details are perfect in every job.
“I explain to the people I’m training that it’s not what we think is easier – it’s all about customer requirements, it’s so important that the little things are done right for the big picture at the end of the day.
“If customers aren’t totally happy, it jeopardises the business and the hundreds of jobs it’s created,” she said.