Fly-in / fly-out

Employees at Rio Tinto Iron Ore's  Brockman, Yandicoogina, Marandoo, Hope Downs and West Angelas sites in the Pilbara region of Western Australia work to a 'fly-in/fly-out' (FIFO) roster.

Western Australia work to a 'fly-in/fly-out' (FIFO) roster. The remote location of these mine operations means employees are based in Perth or other regional centres in Western Australia and commute to work by plane, living in on-site villages whilst on shift.

Employees who work FIFO roster are paid a commute allowance on top of their base salary, and are eligible for six weeks of annual leave. Shifts are of 12-hours duration, and while employees are on-site, Rio Tinto Iron Ore provides all transport, meals and accommodation.

A typical roster is 'two weeks at work and one week off', or 14 days on shift followed by seven days on leave. Some roles follow a 'nine and five' roster, working nine days on shift followed by five days on leave.

Working a FIFO roster is a lifestyle choice. Villages are of a high standard to ensure employees enjoy a quality lifestyle while they are away from home. Villages typically have a swimming pool, sporting courts (used for tennis, soccer, volleyball, lawn bowls and other sports) and a wet mess. Employees have their own air-conditioned accommodation units, with ensuite bathrooms, television, telephone and internet connection. Employees' units are cleaned twice a week.

Meals are provided in mess facilities - main meals include a selection of hot and cold dishes, and healthy low-fat options are always available.

Further information about fly-in/fly-out is available in our Working in the Pilbara: Fly-in/Fly-out video.