Australia Post approach to training out of hours unfair
A dispute has arisen around Australia Post approach to PDOs attending motorcycle training. PDOs are expected to attend the training on Saturdays where possible. The training is located away from normal workplaces. In some cases, PDOs are travelling in excess of 100kms a round trip to attend the training.
This matter was notified as a dispute by the union and the subject of conference at the Fair Work Commission on 1 December 2015.
The union said that PDOs were entitled to be paid overtime and that other allowances were also applicable such as, the motor vehicle allowance.
The FWC confirmed that under the Post Enterprise Agreement 2013 PDOs are entitled to payment for training time at the appropriate rate including overtime or penalties but that the clause does not mandate that other allowances are applicable.
Notwithstanding this the FWC recommended that Post favourably consider hardship cases where an employee whose head station is outside the metropolitan area has incurred significant additional costs to travel to the motorcycle training.
The CWU will follow up for members who have incurred significant additional costs and have travel claims refused.
