2 Secrets and "De-mobing"

Back for my 3rd Swing and feeling a little guilty because I have been hiding information.


My new Donga. I am on the end.
 

    I moved room recently as there is an upgrading of rooms happening at the camp. From a dumpy old room which has been demolished into the new rooms that were recently transported in. Instead of 4 rooms per Building, there are 3 rooms.... 33% larger...  I have a microwave, a double bed, and the air-con is not directly over my head. It is appropriately at my feet. Luxury. Rio Tinto has changed their standard accommodation requirements and all suppliers are expected to comply. Changes which help to keep workers long term.
   Also, for the first time in my life I am exercising regularly.... Yes, even I am surprised.... There are Health Lifestyle Coordinators (HLC's) on all larger camps. They are a FIFO personal trainer who "pre-start" (stretches) camp staff and help them with health and lifestyle issues. They also look after the on-site Gym and run a bootcamp class. Thought that I should look after my mental and physical health if I want to live as a FIFO worker. One night before an RDO I did a bootcamp session for an hour and watched 25 of my fellow workmates gather around a BBQ area next to the class, most in a happy state of intoxication. An instant and happy audience who regularly ribbed me on as I ran past them. I joined them after a shower and quick bite. To my disbelief, the jovial drinkers were all openly supportive to my choice to exercise and had promised themselves that they would start any day soon. "It was just too hot"... "Maybe the next month or so"...


Desk and microwave.

A lifestyle choice... As I walk smokers and drinkers sitting out on their verandahs I know I have made the right decision.

"De-mobing" or De-mobilisation.... When the company lays you off.


After training. Lights, grass, sunset and humidity......

As the Car dumper that I am working on comes towards completion, de-mobing has started. It is an unsettling time for newbies like me. But for most here, it is just a typical part of the cycle. Some look forward to the end for a change of scenery. Rumours are plentiful and spread quickly. Some days one or a few could go, or a group may go as the workforce is shuffled and re-arranged into new work crews. There is no real pattern to who is laid off and management keep that information very close to the chest. They need staff to complete the contract and remain motivated so an end date is never given. Instead there are always discussions about other work on site or work within the company. They lay offs come swiftly and it could be LIFO (last in first out) or removal of problem staff. But eventually it is everyone. Many blokes have feelers out already and hope to be out before they are cut. And it is important that you can be ready to go quickly, and have not collected too much stuff because you may be on a plane pronto. As one told me. You need to be able to pack up your Donga in 1 hour....