‘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".
DP World works to employ Kenyan youths
DP World works to employ Kenyan youths 20 Feb 2025 - Mombasa, Kenya - 1 min read
Driver shortages in Sioux Falls
Driver shortages in Sioux Falls 29 Sep 2022 - Sioux Falls, SD, United States - 1 min read
JCB hiring spree
JCB hiring spree 28 Jul 2022 - Rocester, United Kingdom - 1 min read
Do you have materials handling news? Submit your news here
Inside The News
As June comes to a close, the month when our sector recognises National Forklift Safety Day , the United Kingdom’s Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT) has issued a timely reminder of the need to ensure any staff training is fully accredited... Continue reading

PREMIUM business

F. Uchiyama
Global exporter of used forklift and construction machinery, servicing over 80 countries.

We’re excited to launch a major upgrade to the Forkliftaction forums, packed with new features and improvements. Here’s what’s new:

  • You can now add up to two photos to your posts
  • New search & navigation - find what you need easier
  • Smart brand/model tagging across all forums
  • Top contributors recognised for their efforts!

 Head over to the forums to check it out!

Words of support …

These releases in Forkliftaction are a nice experience for SNDC... We got seven inquiries coming from Canada, USA, Mexico, Israel and Australia (five from retailers, two from machines manufacturers) and we are still in contact with them. I can state that's a success story!

David Massat, Sales Director OEM and Export - SNDC

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

We’re excited to launch a major upgrade to the Forkliftaction forums, packed with new features and improvements. Here’s what’s new:

  • You can now add up to two photos to your posts
  • New search & navigation - find what you need easier
  • Smart brand/model tagging across all forums
  • Top contributors recognised for their efforts!

 Head over to the forums to check it out!

PREMIUM business

Shenzhen Wellwit Robotics Co., Ltd
The Largest AMR/AGV ODM/OEM Manufacturer in China.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

PREMIUM business

Noblelift
Global leader and manufacturer of high quality electric, lithium-ion, and IC material handling equipment.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Find the right machine for your business with F. Uchiyama, exporter and wholesaler of used forklifts and construction machinery. With 100 years of experience in the trade, you can leave the export procedures to us!
FOR SALE:
2016 TCM FD115-3 rough terrain forklift 
1999 Hitachi HX99B telescopic boom 
2017 Unicarriers counterbalanced forklift 

Find more machines here | Contact us with enquiries