Rio Tinto Employment Policies

The policies here are frequently used by WMWA Organisers, members and Rio Tinto employees. Having a good understanding of the policies that apply to you is important – it lets you know your obligations as an employee, but more importantly it allows you to know your rights as an employee.

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Leave Policy – As the name suggests the leave policy covers the different types of leave within the Rio Tinto system, an employees rights to that leave, and their obligations when accessing the leave. A very handy policy to have a copy of particularly when applying for leave or accessing your sick leave.
Fair Treatment Policy – An often unknown policy, the Fair Treatment policy allows employees to contest decisions which they believe have been made unfairly. The Fair Treatment policy is an internal appeals process which does have its limitations but can also be used to good effect. The Fair Treatment policy should always be used with the guidance of a WMWA organiser.
Blank Fair Treatment Form – To be used with the Fair treatment policy and with guidance of an WMWA organiser.
The Way We Work – An often referenced document and Rio Tinto “company bible”, the way we work should be read and understood by all employees without exception. Not following The Way We Work can and usually does lead to severe disciplinary action.
Alcohol and Other Drugs Procedure – An important policy to understand. Information contained around prescription medication and your obligations can come in handy when you are declaring medication. Rio Tinto have a zero tolerance approach to alcohol and drugs and it’s important all employees understand this policy.
Medication Notification Form – Directly related to the AoD Procedure policy, read this form carefully to understand your rights and obligations when it comes to declaring your medication.
Parental Leave Policy – Parental leave can be a confusing issue, Rio Tinto policy around parental leave is different from other employers and the government. Knowing your rights to parental leave as a first or secondary care giver can save you trouble before the time comes.
Fatigue Management Work Practice – The Fatigue Management Work Practice lays out the minimum requirements for managing fatigue on Rio Tinto sites. Topics such as rosters, day and night shifts and breaks are included, it is an excellent tool to ensure you are receiving your rights when it comes to hours of work and breaks.
Relocation Policy – As the name suggests, this policy is related to the relocation of an employees goods when starting at or transferring between Rio Tinto sites. Another useful policy to understand as mistakes can be made my HR and management!
Remote Area Holiday Travel Assistance Policy (RAHTA) – The RAHTA policy applies to residential workers and their families. Understanding the RAHTA system is important, it is easy to make mistakes with RAHTA’s and who can be claimed for, these mistakes are not looked favourably upon by Rio Tinto.
Allowances Policy – This policy outlines the various policies within Rio Tinto, who is eligible for them and in some cases how they are calculated. Allowances can be a confusing issue, enquiries relating to allowances should like any other issue be run by your WMWA organiser.
Temporary Higher, Alternative and Lesser Role – Many members and employees will perform “step up” roles for the company, these roles come with added responsibility but not always added compensation. This policy clearly outlines the rights to added compensation for performing a higher role.
Pit Permit Rules – Whilst the Pit Permit Rules are one of the most widely read and used policies within Rio Tinto, breaches of the Pit Permit Rules also account for a high number of disciplinary outcomes and terminations. Always make sure you are up to date with the latest Pit Permit Rules and that you know and understand what’s in them.
Fitness For Work Privacy Form – If you are given this form to sign, do not. Contact a WMWA organiser and discuss your issue and why you have been given this form.
Data Subject Request Form – This form is used to request information held by the company about you, this can include documents such as your employment contract or medical reports.

Contract of Employment – Knowing the details of your contract is a must, all of policies here and any other relevant policies are covered by your contract. More importantly, your obligation to follow these policies is governed by your contract.

Of course, details of your remuneration, start date and other important information is in your contract. If you don’t have a copy of your contract, get in touch with HR as a starting point.

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At the request of Rio Tinto Management, WMWA has removed all employment policies from our website. You can view and download specific policies from the Rio Tinto web portal.

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If you would like to know more about your rights at work and cannot find or access the right policy, please send us a message and an organiser will be in touch.