Australia Post is facing furore from workers over the recent rollout of a new uniform that is claimed not to meet UV protection requirements.
According to the Communications Workers Union, some staff at Australia Post raised “serious concerns” regarding the sun‑protection claims of the uniform polo shirts issued to posties.
Following discussions earlier this month, interim arrangements have been agreed while further information is sought from the manufacturer.
“Members have questioned whether the SPF 50‑rated polo shirts included in the new uniform provide the level of UV protection claimed,” CWU shared on its website. “Serious doubts about the accuracy of these claims have been raised by members working outdoors.”
In the interim, employees may continue to wear the old uniform until at least March 30, 2026.
This transition period formed part of the initial rollout, but Australia Post has reportedly advised it may be extended if required to ensure uniforms are safe, suitable and meet quality expectations.
CWU added that Australia Post has acknowledged the concerns and is seeking additional details from the manufacturer regarding the shirt’s protective qualities.
It is unclear who the manufacturer is of the new uniforms.
“Given the seriousness of the concerns raised, we strongly recommend that members revert to wearing the old uniform wherever possible,” CWU shared with its members.
“If you work in an outdoor role and no longer have your old garments, we advise wearing alternative suitable sun‑safe clothing until the review is complete.
“These arrangements have been agreed to at the highest national level and a commitment has been made to ensure this outcome is also communicated across the network internally by Australia Post, as soon as possible.”
Australia Post employs more than 64,000 staff.
In response, an Australia Post spokesperson confirmed the company had engaged an official Australian Federal Government agency, ARPANSA (Australian Radiation Protection & Nuclear Safety Agency), to test the fabric to ensure it meets the SPF50 rating, which was part of its approved uniform design.
"Team members have been directed not to wear the shirt and Australia Post has provided a number of alternative options until the new polo shirt is deemed safe, suitable and meets our quality expectations," they said. "Australia Post does not expect team members to wear anything that is unsafe.
"Safety will remain our top priority as we work through this issue."
According to news reports by The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, the CWU’s Victorian branch secretary Troy McGuinness had warned this bungle could be costly.
“If they thought this was going to save them $5 million, this stuff up is going to cost them $25-$30 million,” he told them.
The CWU is still currently working with Australia Post throughout the review of the polo shirt review and of the broader 80-piece uniform collection. Ragtrader has reached out to the CWU for further comment.
*Story has been updated since the initial publish time and date.