Australia seeking fatter mailmen

[billyb8]

How many of you lot would fail this one?

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's postal service has increased the maximum weight for mailmen and women by 15 kg (33 pounds) in an attempt to attract more "posties", local media reported on Tuesday.

Australia Post had a weight limit of 90 kg (198 pounds) for "posties" because its 110cc motorcycles had a safe working limit of 130kg (286 pounds) -- that's 40kg (88 pounds) for letters and up to 90 kg for mailmen and women fully clothed.

But after talks with motorcycle manufacturer Honda it was agreed the bikes could safely carry a "postie" weighing 105 kg (231 pounds), said Sydney's the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

But the "posties" will only carry 25 kg of mail.

The union representing mailmen and women said the 90 kg limit had caused recruitment headaches for Australia Post, but the company denied it had staffing problems.

"Testing found a rise in rider weight up to a maximum of 105 kg would not have any significant effect on the stability, handling or safety of their 110 cc motorcycle," an Australia Post spokesman told the newspaper.

"By raising it from 90 to 105 kilograms means there will be other people that can now apply," he said.

(Reporting by Michael Perry, editing by Sanjeev Miglani)

http://uk.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnou ... ddlyenough

[rhino49]

They'll have to increase the weight limit a bit more before I consider emigrating - my nickname isn't "Rhino" for nothing.

[DGP1]

Yippee, I'll be applying for that job in AussiePost now

[jafferpants]

Even with the weight limit increased it would still rule out hayes&ward from getting a job :

[pinstripe]

105 kg, that is quite big. We have a few 'large blokes' in my DO who are no-where near that. Especially with these falling mail volumes, they're losing weight quicker than Liverpool are losing chances of silverwear this season.

[norbert]

105 kg, that is quite big. We have a few 'large blokes' in my DO who are no-where near that. Especially with these falling mail volumes, they're losing weight quicker than Liverpool are losing chances of silverwear this season.

didn't do too bad tonight , should have been 3 and then there was the penalty

[andy2007]

As there is a weight limit for recruiting, does that mean that if someone gains weight, that they can sack them?!?!?
Surely that is discrimination!

Don't they have vans to deliver the Mail too?

[not me]

As there is a weight limit for recruiting, does that mean that if someone gains weight, that they can sack them?!?!?
Surely that is discrimination!

Don't they have vans to deliver the Mail too?

maybe aussie law doesnt have the same laws we have.

[Carnoustie]

As there is a weight limit for recruiting, does that mean that if someone gains weight, that they can sack them?!?!?

Yes. It's a process known as 'slimming-down the workforce'