‘Overweight’ forklift driver fired

News Story
- 5 Nov 2020 ( #999 ) - Melbourne, Vic, Australia
1 min read
Michael Van Cuylenburg was laid off for being overweight
Michael Van Cuylenburg was laid off for being overweight
A 130 kg forklift driver who was fired from Australia Post because he was too fat has hit out at the company for 'humiliating' him less than two weeks into the job.

Michael Van Cuylenburg told A Current Affair he was laid off for being overweight - above Australia Post's 120 kg weight limit.

"I think it's unfair for people like myself who can turn up and do the job and make a living," he told the program.

Australia Post has said it would not have been safe for Van Cuylenburg to continue in his role.

The TV program identified an after-market seat which sells online for $216 and could have accommodated the driver's weight, but Australia Post argues that these "are not a viable option as they may compromise required standards".
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Since July 2000, Forkliftaction News has been your guide to the developments that are shaping your industry.

Starting today we are also looking back on some of the key news stories from our extensive news archive.

In the news email and on the website, you'll see links to stories that were 'leading our news' multiple years ago, with topics spanning world-first products, big acquisitions, and major industry shifts.
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