Glencore Isa roster concerns
GLENCORE’S decision to move to a week-on, week-off roster at Mount Isa Mines puts commercial interests in front of the regional city, MP Robbie Katter has said.
The major mining company has announced it will move its primary workforce roster at the Mount Isa Copper Operations to the George Fisher Mine.
This will implement a seven days on, seven days off roster, which has been in place at George Fisher Mine for a number of years.
A company spokeswoman said the roster had “improved productivity” and supported a better work-life balance for the workforce.
She said the workers were currently on a four days on, four days off roster.
However, Traeger MP Robbie Katter said this could tempt more workers to be flyin, fly-out or drive-in, driveout employees.
“This increase in FIFO, already a blight on our region, will impact every corner of our community from the local businesses to school enrolment numbers to funding for local services including our hospital and so on,” Mr Katter said.
“Since this time, the prevalence of it has only increased and locally it has been perpetually destructive on
Mount Isa and Cloncurry.” Mr Katter said the biggest benefit to the region was having the mine wages spent in the local towns.
The Glencore spokeswoman said the alignment of rosters would allow workers to transfer between the two sites more easily, providing greater operational flexibility and opportunities for the long-term economic sustainability of its business.
“Feedback is being sought from affected personnel about the proposal over the coming weeks, with a formal decision to be made in midNovember,” the spokeswoman said. “We recognise any change to rosters may cause some disruption for workers and their families, and concern in the community.
“We remain committed to operating a safe, responsible and efficient business that continues to support the community.”