An Australian FIFO worker has criticised his £90,000 (A$180,000) job, claiming he endures poor living conditions because he cannot find decently paid work in the city. The fitter and turner, who works 84-hour weeks, said his high salary is not as attractive as it seems.
Speaking about his pay, the miner revealed he earns between A$74 and A$85 per hour, which can total up to A$180,000 annually. However, he noted that in the city he would only earn about A$40 per hour. 'The only reason you get paid more is because you are doing 84 hour weeks,' he said.
Beyond the salary, the worker described life after work as another downside. 'You've got to live with a bunch of divorcees and the food is s***,' he said, adding that while the accommodation has air conditioning, 'you have to wear thongs in the shower. It's not that good.'
He suggested that if he could go back in time, he would work as a FIFO cleaner, describing the role as simpler and more comfortable. 'They just drive around in little golf carts and just clean your rooms. It's not like cleaning up after people, all they do is wash sheets,' he claimed.
Many Australians disagreed with the miner's complaints. One commenter noted, 'So an 84 hour week times $75 per hour… $6,300 per week. Hardly s*** pay.' Another said, 'Week on week off has to be the easiest roster and he makes about $180,000 working six months a year. Yeah I'd take that.' Others defended cleaners, arguing the job is harder than he suggested.
