By editor - 26 April, 2016
Crosscare’s Migrant Project has published new resources for Irish workers in Australia following the publication of research findings highlighting health and welfare concerns which can arise for those contracted as Fly-In/Fly-Out workers.
FIFO (Fly-In/Fly-Out) usually involves workers travelling to remote mining areas to work on roster for a number of weeks then returning home for a fixed break.
In recent years, Irish construction workers have been among the groups of people going to Australia to undertake FIFO work.
The work is attractive and rewarding as it can be well paid. However, workers who are not well prepared can find it challenging, often affecting their mental well-being and family relationships.
The leaflet and guide are based on findings from research in Australia which has shown that FIFO work can have a negative impact on the lives and health of some workers.
The leaflet is produced by Crosscare Migrant Project and is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Emigrant Support Programme and is aimed at supporting and informing workers to help them cope with the FIFO environment.
The Crosscare project also released on Monday a more detailed report, ‘Challenges for FIFO workers in Australia’, specifically for Irish organisations in Australia working with Irish emigrants working in the FIFO sector.
Sarah Owen, Irish Abroad Networking Officer with Crosscare Migrant Project, explained that “Through our work with Irish organisations in Australia, we became aware of emerging health and welfare concerns among a number of FIFO workers and the growing numbers of Irish workers opting to work in the sector.”
“It is evident that some FIFO workers experience some challenges that can negatively impact on their lives and we wanted to help prepare Irish workers in Australia with advice on options and support available to ensure they have the best experience they can in FIFO work.”
The leaflet and contacts for support organisations in Australia are available at: www.migrantproject.ie/fifo
Crosscare Migrant Project is a project of Crosscare, the social support agency of the Dublin Archdiocese. It is a non-governmental organisation funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Emigrant Support Programme to work with intending and returning Irish emigrants.
The focus of Crosscare Migrant Project’s direct information and advocacy work is with those who are marginalised.
For returning emigrants, Crosscare Migrant Project helps people to access statutory supports, apply for social welfare payments and place appeals on refusals if necessary.
For intending emigrants Crosscare Migrant Project provide a general overview of visa systems for popular destination countries, as well as pre-departure information and referrals to Irish support organisations abroad.
