Australia Post 'not forcing' APEC holiday shift

Australia Post has rejected union claims mail sorters are being forced to work on the APEC public holiday next week, even though there will be no mail deliveries until the following Monday.

The Communications, Electrical and Postal Union say 600 employees are expected to turn up for work at 40 mail centers across Sydney on Friday September 7.

The union’s Ed Husic says while the workers will be paid double-time-and-a-half, they will be faced with a “nightmare” drive home after their night shift.

“The order itself from Australia Post will put pressure on our members to get into the city and navigate through the security zones on a day where sorting that mail will end up nowhere at any rate,” he said.”

But Australia Post says while mail is not being delivered on that day, sorting needs to continue to ensure services for Monday.

It says working public holidays is a normal part of the roster for full-time night sorting staff.