Horrifying footage has emerged of a West Australian-based FIFO employee being served a steak dinner lined with maggots, sparking unions to name for stricter meals codes within the trade.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) has slammed Fortescue Metal Group (FMG), calling the dwelling situations at its Pilbara-based camp “appalling”.
The employee made the grim discovery on March 5 on the mining large’s Iron Base camp, positioned 145km south of Port Hedland.
AMWU state secretary Steve McCartney mentioned the situations had been “outrageous and oppressive” and has referred to as on the state authorities to ship a distant website wholesome meals code for the sources trade.
Footage taken by a employee on the website additionally exhibits mould-infested airconditioning vents of their room, whereas the union mentioned the maggot incident was “laughed off” by employees.
“While billionaire Twiggy Forrest is swanning about Europe buying Formula 1 teams, the workers who actually do all the work that makes him money are being dished up maggots and breathing mould-filled air,” Mr McCartney mentioned.
“Given the culture at FMG and across the resources industry, a lot of these workers are too scared to speak up in fear they will be given the sack.”
FMG, one of many world’s largest iron exporters, mentioned it had investigated the larvae discovered within the cook-to-order steak.
“The investigation shows that it is highly likely the food became contaminated after being cooked and served,” a FMG spokesperson mentioned.
“Samples of the larvae were tested, and the results found it was from a species of fly commonly known to the Pilbara region which deposits live larvae.”
The union has additionally referred to as for the WA authorities to research the value of meals to staff per head for FIFO and drive-in-drive-out websites, climates wherein it says psychological well being is “already an ever-present issue”.
“It’s clear FMG is cutting corners with cheap catering,” Mr McCartney mentioned.
The union additionally slammed FMG for serving staff “small insignificant” sandwiches for 12-hour shifts.
“We know it’s not just FMG and that this problem exists across the industry,” Mr McCartney mentioned.
“There should be regulation on how much is spent on catering per head to ensure food is nutritious and edible and that there is a suitable amount for these workers who work long days performing demanding physical jobs.
“These are basic rights to keep our workers safe and healthy both physically and mentally. FMG and others need to do better and the government needs to hold them to account.”
FMG mentioned all of its villages had been independently licensed with Food Safety Plus accreditation, and “comprehensive assessments” of all current management measures had been being undertaken.
The WA-based mining firm mentioned random checks of rooms had been performed every day and all airconditioning filters had been cleaned in accordance with upkeep schedules and upon request.
“Rooms are cleaned every seven days or at change of occupant in line with industry standards,” the spokesperson mentioned.
“The quality of our camp sites is extremely important to us, and we are committed to providing a safe and clean environment at all times.”
Source: www.news.com.au
