By KELLY LOUISEIZE
Flexibility and cross training have retained the full-time and contractual workers at Kennecott Canada Exploration Inc. (KCEI) laboratories in Thunder Bay.
The small diamond research assay lab has been in existence for 14 years. Originally, the thought was to open it for six months, however, due to heightened exploration activity around the globe the lab has seen processes within its operations expand adding more full-time and contract employees to their 27-person payroll.
The lab analyses small low-valued diamonds and what is called indicator minerals for information.
Within the laboratory security is tight and safety is paramount, however, there are a few areas where flexibility can be given. Task times is one of them.
Most job tasks have flexible starting and finishing times. “If employees know they are going to need a couple hours off they can certainly work around that,” Kennecott lab’s acting manager Juanita Bellinger says.
“I know that is something that most employees really appreciate.’
University students who work around their school hours welcome this kind of flexibility. If the lab is experiencing a multitude of projects, these same students are hired over the summer months to ensure analyzing does not fall behind.
Equally, employees appreciate the cross-training program that began in 2000.
Throughout the year, some areas of the lab are busier than others and so the cross-training program teaches employees, who would otherwise be laid off, other job functions. Not only has it provided efficiencies within the lab, but also it gave stimulus to workers.
“It is kind of nice not to be doing the same thing all the time,” Bellinger says.
Doing the same job all the time could lead to deterioration of one’s health and as a result safety. It is the reason why the company has invited an ergonomist to evaluate workstations. He or she can suggest an optimum workstation to reduce on-the job injuries.
“They also look at the equipment to determine if they can make adjustments,” Bellinger says.
Concerns such as these are first brought up to the lab’s health and safety committee where an appropriate resolution is encouraged.
If they cannot find a solution the issue is parlayed over to management. Consultants are then brought in to help in the matter.
Inasmuch as a safe community environment breeds a sense of security, so too does comprehensive health care plans.
“KCEI provides a comprehensive remuneration package for employees and any eligible dependants that include medical and dental plans, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, dependent life insurance, and long-term disability coverage,” states Kennecott’s Cheryl Lenker director, human resources and health safety environment community North America exploration.
“KCEI also provides a Group Registered Pension Plan in which the company provides a 75% match up to 4% with a maximum employee contribution along with a traditional pension plan based on final average compensation and years of service”
Vacation days are dependent on the position level in the organization and also based on years of service, she says. Ten public holidays are observed by the company.
Kennecott is a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, an international exploration and mining company with projects around the globe.
Rio Tinto offers a share option plan to employees who meet the eligibility criteria. Employees can purchase Rio Tinto shares at a discounted rate under a share option plan. This option is provided annually, over an and above the regular pension plan, to full-time employees who have been with the company for a designated period.
