You are right. That's an accurate picture of the current situation in mining. I can only tell you that subcontractors are now beginning to offer similar programs to their employees, as they also have to get through this difficult period. It is currently hard to recruit workers and hold on to them. So, subcontractors are also trying to keep their workers by making the same programs available to them.
On December 8th, 2011. See this statement in context.