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WorkforceGlossary Term

Retention Bonus

A lump-sum payment offered to keep skilled field workers or subcontractors committed through a project's duration. It is typically paid at a set milestone or project completion. Primes use it to reduce crew turnover during long campaigns or tight labour markets.

Related Terms

Shift Rotation

Workforce

A scheduled cycle that determines when field crews work and rest, commonly structured as 14 days on and 14 days off in remote oil and gas sites. Subcontractors must account for rotation schedules when planning crew mobilisation and labour costs. Misaligned rotations between a subcontractor and prime contractor can cause costly coverage gaps.

Wage Theft

Workforce

When a client or prime contractor withholds earned pay from field workers or subcontractors through unpaid overtime, illegal deductions, or misclassified labour. It exposes subcontractors to legal liability if it occurs within their own crew management. Provincial labour standards apply regardless of contract wording.

SJT (Situational Judgment Test)

Workforce

A pre-hire assessment used to evaluate how candidates respond to realistic workplace scenarios. Operators and prime contractors use SJTs to screen field workers for safety judgement and decision-making. Subcontractors may encounter these tests when onboarding crews for client-managed worksites.

Floater

Workforce

A skilled tradesperson or technician not assigned to a fixed crew or project, deployed where needed on short notice. Subcontractors often bill floaters at a premium rate due to their flexibility and quick availability.

Rotational Worker

Workforce

A field worker employed on a fixed schedule of alternating work and rest periods, such as 14 days on and 14 days off. Subcontractors must account for rotation cycles when planning crew mobilisation and maintaining consistent headcount on site.

Independent Contractor

Workforce

A self-employed individual or company hired to complete specific work under contract, rather than as an employee. In field service, this covers most subcontractors supplying labour or specialised skills to operators and prime contractors. Independent contractors are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and equipment.

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