Aust Post Shafts Another Worker

Date: 07 August 2002

Australia Post has threatened to take action against a left-handed Postal Delivery Officer (PDO) due to his request to have his sorting equipment adjusted to suit his left-handedness.

This is despite a recent report from Comcare making recommendations supporting such adjustments in the case of left-handed workers.

Comcare is the government body which overseas health and safety and compensation matters in government departments and business enterprises.

CEPU NSW P&T Branch Secretary Mr Jim Metcher said: "Australia Post management have confronted PDO Bryan Morrissey of Botany Delivery Centre and attempted to remove him from his indoor work until the postal workers' union intervened on the issue."

"There are over 200 PDOs in New South Wales who are currently affected by the Comcare recommendations. To date, Australia Post has refused to set up any sorting equipment to suit left-handed employees. Several left-handed employees have been seriously injured, with some cases even requiring surgery, after beings directed by Australia Post to work in a right-handed manner on the sorting equipment," Mr Metcher also said.

"This recent attack on postal employees by Australia Post management is part of an ongoing harassment and intimidation that postal workers have to face on a daily basis," Mr Metcher concluded.

For further information

Contact:	Jim Metcher, Branch Secretary
Union:	Labor Council of NSW
Phone:	(02)9893 7822
Contact Mobile:	0418 656 262

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