The postal workers’ Union has today welcomed news that Australia Post has heeded its call for action and will undertake a complete internal review of its contracting systems, however said it is critical the scope of the investigation is wide enough to ensure no stone is left unturned.
The company’s announcement of the internal review comes in the wake of recent revelations that an Australia Post contractor was allegedly running a criminal syndicate and paying as little as $1.10 for delivering a parcel and withholding legal entitlements like sick leave.
CEPU NSW Postal & Telecommunications Branch Secretary Jim Metcher said that while the internal review is welcomed, it is important that the audit looks beyond the surface and delves into the wide range of employment issues, including underpayment of superannuation, that have been revealed as potential issues.
“This review can’t leave any stone unturned,” Mr Metcher said.
“It’s great that the company has heeded the Union’s call for action and that former chief commissioner of Victoria Police Ken Lay has been engaged to begin this investigation straight away. It’s proof that Australia Post is taking its responsibility to its workforce and customers seriously.
“What we need now is confidence that the review will be broad enough to cover all potential employment and safety concerns workers and sub-contractors may have.
“Workers and postal users need to be left with no doubt whatsoever at the end of this investigation process that the investigation has been thorough and transparent.
“Australia Post says it believes this is a one-off case, but we need to be completely confident of that and the only way to do that is by delving right down to the bottom.
“Workers’, and no doubt the public’s, confidence in Australia Post has been dealt a major blow in the past few days. It’s only by the implementation of a thorough and transparent audit process that confidence will be restored.
“The Union is looking forward to engaging with Australia Post and the investigative team on this critical review.”
The CEPU is strongly urging it’s contractor and subcontractor members who feel they are not receiving their legal wages and entitlements to contact the Union office as a matter of urgency.
Media contact: Alana Mew 0419 929 722
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