principal

specialist

superviseur de production

senior advisor

laborer

Rio Tinto

I'll start with the good. Really good pay, secure job once you've achieved 1500 hours (approximately 9 months), great work to life ratio. It works out to 50% work days to 50% days off.

And now the bad. The 1500 hours they reserve the right to let you go for any reason they deem acceptable for the 9 months. They stress that as a temp (pre 1500 hours) your not allowed any time off without possible loss of employment. They actually play on that card heavily. Don't do this, don't do that or you could be fired. Work hard or you could be fired, anything the deem unsatisfactory seems to come with the attachment of getting fired. It's really frustrating for 9 months. You're also treated poorly in a way as theres a division between full timers and temp workers and most things get blamed on you as a temp. Also as a temp do not question things or argue your point. They will fire you for that even if you're in the right. As a temp your just a temp. You keep your mouth closed and your attitude inviting.

As far as safety they preach safety at every level... I think they even may actually believe their lies. They are not a safe company. They use fear and intimidation with the Temps to get them to work faster, usually at the expense of safety, and I've seen people be fired for bringing these safety infractions up. It's a fast passed environment and anything that slows down production won't be tolerated. Or atleast that was the experience I saw a few people go through.

They are really funny cause they pay well and pay overtime when you work outside your set schedule but if your working your normal days you won't get time and a half for 4 hours that your entitled to on one pay period and when you bank your hours for working 96 hours on another pay period. You bank 16 hours at around $2.00 less than time and a half. It's the only area the company cheaps out in terms of money and paying you.

The management is getting better but it's really quite poor and run by people that should not be in management. You'll get bosses that run the sympathy card cause their stressed or over worked as well as they will constantly try to guilt you into doing things for them in terms of get this done without any breaks when its cold out and then take 2 hours off. Once you finish working for extended periods under the agreement there's more work and the deal is forgotten about. Also the foreman are notorious for throwing employees under the bus when things arnt going smoothly. The drama is ridiculous. Also the higher up management makes some really bad calls and then puts all the pressure on the employees to achieve really hard to achieve time tables or acceptable levels of progress in a day. Your always in trouble cause they set unrealistic progress points for the day but expect you to achieve them anyway. This was really demotivating. I watched good workers quit trying cause they just got in trouble no matter what. It's not so bad in some areas but they put alot of pressure on learning and being efficient (really fast).

The co workers are good to work with but I've noticed most of them will throw you under the bus to look good. Everyone is out their for their own, and with the temp program being what it is with fear of losing your job your always under the watchful eye of people that don't always have your best interest in my.

Rio tinto does not like ordering tools. Prepare to not have the tools you need while being told you take to long to accomplish tasks one night then when other crews don't need the tools the next night you have all you need and accomplish your daily task with relative ease and everyone is happy.

This company doesn't reward for doing a good job but it punishes for doing a bad job or anything less than par for the course. When trying to make unrealistic deadlines we worked extra hard. Like running sll day almost. They just make that your new normal and expect it everyday when it wasn't a sustainable pace. And you'd get in trouble for having less than that standard

They also have cameras everywhere and record you constantly. If upper management doesn't like you they will single you out for making mistakes while learning or to pinpoint your break times. I saw it with one guy not so long ago. They got rid of him and they made up a bunch of false allegations and made him look bad using the camera. If you get a long with upper management feel free to take long breaks and blurr the lines a little.

In saying all that I still work here so it can't be that bad. After your 1500 hours it gets pretty good. You become unfireable unless you do something really bad. Which also paves the way for seniors using senority to do the easy jobs and only the easy jobs bumbing other people to do the harder jobs. There's lots of weird things like that

What is the best part of working at the company?
When asked about the best part of working at the company, it's essential to answer honestly while also considering the potential impact of your response. Here's a diplomatic way to address the question, while subtly highlighting your concerns about management:

"One of the positive aspects of working at the company is definitely the compensation package, which I appreciate. However, if I may share some constructive feedback, it's important to consider the overall work environment and management style. While the company offers competitive pay, there have been challenges with the way management handles certain situations. I believe that a supportive and respectful work culture is crucial for employee satisfaction and productivity. So, I would encourage any potential candidate to thoroughly assess the company's management approach and work culture before making a decision solely based on compensation."

This response acknowledges the positive aspect of the compensation package while subtly expressing concerns about management style and work culture. It's essential to strike a balance between honesty and professionalism when addressing such sensitive topics during an interview.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?

When discussing the most stressful part about working at a company, it's crucial to be diplomatic and avoid overly negative language. Here's a balanced response:

"One of the challenges I've encountered in my experience at the company is managing tight deadlines and high-pressure situations. While it's natural for any workplace to have deadlines and demands, the pace at times can be quite intense. However, I've found that with effective time management and support from colleagues, it's possible to navigate these challenges successfully. Ultimately, I believe that a healthy work-life balance and open communication channels can help mitigate stress levels and promote overall well-being in the workplace."

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
When describing the work environment and culture at a company, it's important to provide an honest and balanced perspective. Here's a response that highlights both positive aspects and areas for improvement:

"The work environment at the company is dynamic and fast-paced, which fosters a sense of urgency and drive among employees. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork, with colleagues often coming together to solve challenges and achieve common goals. Additionally, the company values innovation and encourages employees to think creatively and explore new ideas.

However, like any organization, there are areas where the work environment could be improved. For example, there may be instances where communication between teams or departments could be enhanced, leading to occasional misunderstandings or inefficiencies. Additionally, while the company strives to maintain a positive culture, there may be opportunities to further promote diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance initiatives.

Overall, I believe that the work environment and culture at the company provide a supportive platform for professional growth and development, and I am optimistic about the potential for continuous improvement and positive change."

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
When discussing a typical day at the company, it's essential to provide a balanced overview that highlights your responsibilities and tasks while also conveying your overall experience. Here's a response that accomplishes this:

"A typical day for me at the company starts with reviewing my schedule and prioritizing tasks for the day. As a [your position], I am responsible for [brief description of your main responsibilities], which often involves [mention specific tasks or projects you typically work on].

Throughout the day, I collaborate with colleagues [describe any teamwork or collaboration aspects of your role] and attend meetings to discuss project updates, brainstorm ideas, and address any challenges that arise. I also spend time [mention any other activities or tasks relevant to your role].

While there are structured elements to my day, such as meetings and deadlines, there is also flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and address unexpected issues as they arise. Overall, I find that each day brings new opportunities for growth and learning, and I enjoy the dynamic nature of my role at the company."

During my hiring I was told that tools would be provided, which are critical to my effectiveness in a shifty role. As I have discovered, with other new hires included, that no planning towards logistics involving tooling, transportation, lockers, and efficient shift scheduling has occurred, and yet again it is dumped on the area team leads to kit us accordingly. This creates more conflict when those teams are told not do so, which fundamentally restricts our ability to preform. To be successful I have brought in personal tooling, shifty bag from prior plants and  additional tools needed. On leaving, I bring my pitch/coke stained/contaminated tool bag and contaminated tooling back to personal storage. I know my electrician counterpart is also under tooled, incorrect tooling ordered by central teams, and for their ability to preform the local teams have had to help regardless of being told not to. This highlights the disconnect between management and those in field.

Management continues to have walls up, preventing adequate avenues of communication and cooperation, and chooses to not work as a team. Even when consulted in a respectful manner as is standard. Anybody can manage, clearly few can lead. No planning occurs and it falls on the teams to constantly pull through and ensure success. It isn't fair or professional.

I am sad to leave such an amazing team of high performers due to disconnect between Rio Tinto values shared during interviews/Rio Tinto website, and the lack of care that has been shown by my direct 'leader' as soon as I started in my new role.

Typical industrial working environment with production and safety being number one priority. Work starts at 7:00 am and ends at 7:00 pm with four half hour breaks. During my tenure with Rio Tinto Alcan, 
I have learned how to work and manage within a large union environment. In addition, being a heavy industry I have learned to watch out for the safety of my co-workers and my own safety. 

The management of Rio Tinto Alcan lists safety as top priority followed by productivity on their agenda. The management is also very supportive and are accommodating to its employees.   

Teamwork is very important to get various tasks done and therefore, most co-workers are cooperative and work cohesively. 

The most difficult part of the job is working near furnaces on extremely hot days with temperatures exceeding 700 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the best part of the job is being trusted and treated with respect. It makes the employees feel responsible and results in better productivity. 

Even though my job is based in Quebec, I work approximately 80% of the time in English. Bilingualism isn’t an option, you need to work in English first, French second. Strangely, that on’y applies to Quebecers, as there are plenty of anglophones and expats based in Montreal that don’t understand or speak French. 
With the business spread around the globe, expect to have to take calls very early or very late to accomodate Australia.
There is a lot of pressure, a lot of competition, unfortunately, too many projects are managed in crisis mode. It makes for a tense workplace, most people in my team work from home, which helps with the schedule too.
The pay is good, really good. But at what cost?  The turnover is quite high and burnouts are just « part of the deal » even though management keeps saying taking care of employees wellbeing is a priority. Employees who feel good don’t quit or go on leave at the rate I’ve seen since I’ve been there.
If you want to gain experience in a fast paced environment and commit to being your own advocate to protect your time/balance, go for it. There are awesome people and opportunities, it’s just a tough setting.

when I first started it was June of 1979, we worked 8 hour shifts ,6 days on 2 off and we worked dayshift 7 am -11 pm,afternoons was 3 pm-11 pm and nights was 11 pm-7 am for almost 20 years,Summers were very hot and we had to wear heavy wool  protective clothing. Had not much of a family life because it was hard to plan anything being on call for overtime. we never had weekends of for 6 weeks. I did not like that. Coworkers were generally ok,sometimes difficult but you learn to work together when you can.Then we went on 12 hour shifts , I liked that better, hours were 7 am-7 pm for days and 7 pm-7 am for nights. we had every other weekend off. The hardest part of work was working environment it gets extremely hot and humid. The most enjoyable thing was making the most of being there,some of the co workers would organize things like on site get togethers for lunches like pot lucks and everyone would bring something in and we would all share a meal together.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Good Salary. The matching with the shares is a poisoned gifted as they are not matched under a government registered account (TFSA, or RRSP )  with no efforts you finally end paying 50% of what they finally offered you and you money blocked for 3 years.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Very micro managed company with no career development plan at least for immigrants. I hope AI productivity tools will penalize managers that just talk by phone and read mails,... zero add value from their part.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
With people working from home everywhere this is hard to measure. My bosss used to do what he liked to do.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Boring little interaction with other teams, better external relationships with customers and suppliers.

- Data Entry, reconsiling, talking on the phone, ordering railcars, switched being on call every second weekend.
- I gained more experience with Microsoft Office, worked a bit in AccPac, Learned alot about being in a corporation vs. when I worked with a small business.
- I got along very well with all the managment as well as my co-workers
- Hardest part of my job was picking up where the person I was filling in for left off, not having them here to explain certain reports and emails. It was a process but eventually it all works out.
- I enjoyed how involved the corporate office is envolved with our operations, as well as being able to contribute to making improvements in certain aspects of the office.

Not a constructive work experience. Had I known at the beginning what I knew when I left, I would have turned the job offer down.
Things to expect:
- Disingenuous, negative work culture
- Stressful environment
- Unrealistic expectations
- Disorganized management
- Serious communication problems
- Poor attitude especially in the upper tiers of departments
Bottom line: I strongly recommend avoiding this company for your own well-being. There are other studios that will treat you better. Managers are never available to help and if they are m they don't even know what to do but they expect you to know everything the moment you start working. very poor training and overall very toxic work enviroment. I got fooled by the high pay. But you'll have to say goodbye to you sanity. NEVER AGAIN

Terrible place of employment. Very high turnover in management. Management treats hourly union employees disrespectfully. Extremely stressful place to work. Rio tinto constantly attacks employee benefits. Most managers are hired off the street with zero experience and are clueless. It should be a huge red flag to you that no experienced long term employees want a management position. Locals with many years of experience and knowledge get no respect. Supervisors run this smelter to the ground, it’s often in an emergency state and on the verge of shutting down. Dirty and unhealthy environment full of toxic carcinogens. The only pro is there is a good strong union to protect and stand up for the workers. Do not recommend working here. 

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Principal 3 salaries reported	$155,000 per year
Specialist 4 salaries reported	$112,500 per year
Superviseur de production 3 salaries reported	$114,667 per year
Senior advisor 3 salaries reported	$125,000 per year
Laborer 3 salaries reported	$40.67 per hour

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