Mobile miners: work, home, and hazards in Yukon's mining industry

Abstract

This thesis examines the impacts that long-distance commuting operations have for workers in Yukon's mining industry. The Canadian mining industry has transitioned from the traditional Taylorist operations of the twentieth century to lean-production systems of work organization. Among other changes, this leaner industry now employs small, highly trained workers in precarious occupations. Mines are also now operated in more remote areas, forcing workers to commute long distances and live for weeks on-site. Yukon is currently experiencing a resource boom, and is in the process of developing several new mines in the territory--mines which the local population hope to benefit from, but which will likely be designed around lean production systems. Within this context, this thesis explores the impacts of long-distance commuting through in-depth interviews with 12 workers in Yukon's mining industry. The findings are organized into four major themes: 1) workplace culture, 2) safety in mining, 3) mobility and migration, and 4) home life for workers. These four themes represent what respondents felt were the most relevant impacts in terms of long-distance commuting.