Postal
CEPU presses your concerns about Post's uniforms
(3 April, 2009): Following the regular and vocal comments received by members about the quality of Australia Post's uniforms.
The CEPU has been representing your concerns. We've still got a way to go, but here's a quick report on where things are at.
High visibility workwear:
Australia Post has advised the CEPU that it has adopted fluorescent lime/yellow for its outdoor high visibility garment range.
Workwear garments that are currently high visibility orange will be progressively replaced with high visibility lime/yellow as the stock of orange fabric is exhausted. It is anticipated that at the time of the Uniform Bulk Drop in 2010, all high visibility outdoor work wear issued will be fluorescent lime/yellow wherever it is currently orange.
Polo fleece garments:
The position of Australia Post that polo fleece garments and wet weather gear provide sufficient warmth for outdoor workers remains a sore point with the CEPU and its members. Recently, however Australia Post conceded that these garments may not be adequate and informed that it is intending to test a wind resistant spray jacket for motor cycle PDOs. If not suitable consideration would be given to increasing the thickness of the current polo fleece garments. While any movement away from management’s previously entrenched position is welcomed the union will continue to press that all employees who used to receive jackets as part of their uniform entitlements should continue to get jackets.
Cotton Backed Polo:
Following consistent complaints from employees and the CEPU about the logo on the back of the cotton backed polo reducing breathability across the back Australia Post has agreed to remove the logo from future production runs of this garment. As existing stock is depleted, garments without a logo on the back of the polo will be issued. A female fit cotton back polo will also be introduced and will be available for new orders when the garments have been manufactured and supplied to Yakka.
100% Cotton Hi Vis Shirt:
The Australia Post 100% cotton Hi Vis long sleeve shirt does not comply with high visibility requirements and it seems that a cotton Hi Vis shirt that does meet the requirements is not available. A sample shirt in the same style in poly/cotton is being obtained from RACQ and will be trialled shortly.
Cargo Pants Range:
Coin pocket will be modified. Comfort waist will be introduced on all lower garments except moleskin jeans. Women’s fit will be introduced. Garments will be replaced progressively as existing styles are depleted.
Belts and Socks:
In response to the issues raised by the CEPU Australia Post advises that the qualities of the belts and socks have been explored with the aim of improving the longevity of the items. Samples of alternative belts and socks are expected within the next couple of weeks from the supplier.
The above shows some progress on uniforms at last but concerns about uniform entitlements being unilaterally removed at the whim of managers and/or their superiors continue to exist – it is about time Post implemented its long promised union/management consultation process on uniforms to address some of these concerns.
If you have any views, let us know via feedback@cepu.asn.au