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OUR ETHICS

  • Our Ethics pre 2015
  • Our Ethics 2011 version
  • Our Ethics 2015 version

    Most employers have a policy called "Our Ethics" or something similar, such as "Code of Conduct". It is usually a short statement outlining a general ethical standards on standards such as mutual respect, honesty and diligence. We often see the statements framed and put in public and work areas.

    Unions generally have no hesitation endorsing such statements.

    Australia Post have a different approach. Their usually disciplinary approach is th charge members not with a specific error or action, but to make the sweeping statement that the member has breached the "Ethics" policy.

    In some dismissal cases their policy has been found to be a problem and they have in 2015 unilaterally amended the policy to improve their position.

    We have not endorsed the amendments. Further we now take the view that the "Ethics" policy has moved from a true "Ethics" policy to a vague litany of actions that coonstitute offences that can be subject to disciplinary action.

    This in part is due to the wording of the "non-union" EBA8. The EBA refers to the Policy as follows:

      36 Employee conduct and discipline

      36.1 Australia Post has the right to dismiss an employee, impose a penalty of a reduction of up to two increments for a period of up to 12 months (or equivalent penalty), or to transfer an employee to another position of the same or a lower classification for behaviour or performance which warrants such action, including:
      (a) misconduct or wilful neglect of duty or grossly negligent conduct;
      (b) incompetence or inefficiency for reasons within the employee's control;
      (c) failure to observe Australia Post's 'Our Ethics' Policy.

      36.2 Except in the case of serious and wilful misconduct or grossly negligent conduct (see below), Australia Post will ensure that:
      (a) employees are counselled and/or given a warning in order to assist them to maintain acceptable standards of behaviour and performance;
      (b) no employee is dismissed or transferred for a first breach of Australia Post's 'Our Ethics' Policy.

    The position of our Union is thqt we do not agree with the policy. We object to the use of the Policy as a litany of wrongful acts, rather that a policy specifically dealing with ethics.



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