AngloGold, Fifo Families in support agreement

AngloGold Ashanti has become the first gold miner to sign up to the Fifo Families social support and education program for fly-in, fly-out workers.

Employees at AngloGold and Independence Group’s Tropicana joint venture and at Anglo’s Sunrise Dam project will have the option of taking up Fifo Families memberships.

Located in the Goldfields, the two mines have a combined workforce of around 400.

The agreemenent caps off nearly 12 months of discussions between AngloGold and Fifo Families.

Fifo Families founder Nicole Ashby said it represented a change in attitudes towards workforce wellbeing in the resources sector.

"Providing workers and families with the necessary skills and resources to navigate the FIFO lifestyle is paying dividends," Ms Ashby said.

She believes there is a trend towards companies supporting workers and families as a key part of ensuring success in business.

AngloGold Ashanti senior vice-president (Australia) Mike Erickson said Fifo Families would be an excellent complement to its existing employee assistance program.

“We recognise that FIFO work can sometimes present challenges for employees and their partners and families, and wanted to provide our people with the opportunity to take advantage of the unique support network and valuable information that Fifo Families offers,” he said.