Following Sunday’s announcement that Perth, Peel and the South West regions would be placed into lockdown for five days (ending Friday 6pm AWST), AREEA has been liaising with the Western Australian Government on the implications for resources and energy workforces.

As per the “Stay at Home and Closure” Direction agreed upon and issued by the WA Police Commissioner and the Premier on Sunday night, FIFO workers continue to be defined as “Essential Workers” who can leave their homes to perform work duties if necessary.

However, the Government is asking for the cooperation of the industry to minimise any movement of workers over the lockdown period to only that which is absolutely necessary.

This involves asking operators to delay any shift changeovers and keep employees where they are for the period.

Further, the Government is asking that all people within the lockdown zone stay at home and do not travel to other parts of the state. The request includes any FIFO workers who are due to fly to site during this period unless absolutely necessary.

Office workers are required to work from home unless absolutely necessary to go into the office.

AREEA understands many of its members in Western Australia have already given effect to these directions by suspending flights and delaying shift changeovers.

We will communicate any further developments as they come to hand in relation to FIFO workers and encourage members to share with us any practical experiences during the lockdown period.

If you have any questions, concerns or special circumstances in which AREEA can assist, please email AREEA’s Head of West Coast Workplace Relations via [email protected] and the policy team via [email protected].