Well, it is and it isn't...

We get a "compulsory field bonus" as we are field based for 2/3 of the year. This is to account for the fact that we spend most of the year in outback Australia away from family, friends, civilisation etc. It's only given to field staff. The recent resources boom in Aus is slowing due to China's economy slowing and the economic instability in Europe. The price of coal has dropped like a stone and has caused many mining firms to postpone exploration and development for now.

Our company have decided to take this away which means that there is now no incentive for being stuck in the arse end of nowhere for 2 weeks at a time while those in the office are getting an easy time. It's frustrating because we, the field geologists are the people who bring the money into the company and keep it afloat. We're being charged out at a minimum of $1500AUD a day each to our clients and they're claiming "economic strain"...

Posted By: I Am Hoot, Sep 4, 13:11:11