An Australia Post employee with over 30 years of service has lost his appeal against termination, following an investigation into misconduct that included visiting a KFC outlet in his delivery van. The Fair Work Commission upheld Australia Post's decision to dismiss the worker, citing a pattern of serious infractions.
The worker, based in Newcastle, was dismissed last year after an incident on May 7, 2025, where he deviated from his route to visit a KFC during a time he was absent from his scheduled duties. According to documents reviewed by the Daily Mail, the employee used his Australia Post vehicle for the unauthorized stop. His allotted lunch break was 30 minutes, unpaid, beginning at 10:40 a.m., and supervisors were to be informed of any deviations in timing or location.
Further contributing to his dismissal, the employee reportedly left work 30 minutes early on the same day without authorization. When questioned by a supervisor about his whereabouts, the employee's responses were described as evasive and uncooperative. He allegedly told the supervisor to "make an appointment" when asked for an explanation, and was described as offering the word "Evasive?" in response to a question about his behavior.
Australia Post also cited statements from the employee indicating an intention to "have some fun" in his remaining two years before retirement, which they interpreted as a plan to disregard company procedures and engage in "playing games" with management. In the month preceding his dismissal, the employee accumulated 19 unexplained absences and failed to respond to 17 messages from managers. He claimed he thought the messages might be a scam, but could not provide a satisfactory reason for not contacting his workplace to verify their authenticity.
While the worker presented medical certificates indicating an "acute stress reaction," Australia Post had previously adjusted his workload to alleviate pressure. Deputy president Tony Saunders of the Fair Work Commission acknowledged that the worker might face difficulties in finding future employment due to his age and lengthy tenure with Australia Post. However, he concluded that the severity of the misconduct, including the "grave nature" of his actions and his ongoing refusal to cooperate, justified the dismissal. "A meaningful employment relationship cannot exist when an employee demonstrates an ongoing failure and refusal to co-operate with their employer," Saunders stated.
Australia Post welcomed the commission's ruling. The Fair Work Commission's decision means the dismissal stands, concluding the employee's long career with the postal service.