During EBA talks,
the CEPU continually called on Australia Post to drop their practice
of using Facility Nominated Doctors.
FND’s,
paid for and controlled by Australia Post management, are used to
get injured workers back on the job before they are ready.
This then allows management to manipulate Lost Time Injury figures
and access large executive bonuses, at the expense of workers’
health and safety.
We’ve heard horror stories of members being directed back to work by
FND’s, with broken bones and unhealed injuries:
· In Queensland a mail officer saw an FND about pains in her leg,
she was told it was a sprained ankle and directed on to light duties
– four days later it was discovered her ankle was broken.
· In NSW a postie was ordered to an FND after an accident and put
back to work on light duties (no lost time). A week later the pain
was so bad, he went to his own doctor, where X-rays revealed a
broken leg and the doctor also discovered an almost fatal blood
clot.
At these hearings Post was quizzed about why it refers employees to
an FND, even after the employee has already seen their treating
doctor. Senior Deputy President (SDP) Drake asked Post the
following:
SDP DRAKE: “… it can't be the case that in every respect the
employer needs a second examination.
“You have (a) a claim and (b) a medical report from a certified
general practitioner. Why would you require a medical examination
unless you had some doubt about the veracity of the report?”
Australia Post uses FNDs to pressure its employees – risking
employee health, making them work in pain.
Our EBA7 campaign is about protecting your security, safety and
pay. Take action!
Tell Australia Post your safety and wellbeing are important to you –
tell them to end their practice of using FND’s now!
