to a workplace dispute<\/a> heard before the Fair Work Commission (FWC).<\/p>\nA Newcastle-based Australia Post driver with more than 30 years of service lost his unfair dismissal appeal after taking an unapproved trip in a company vehicle to get lunch at a KFC in Mayfield, NSW, alongside other patterns of inappropriate behaviour at work.<\/p>\n
The Fair Work Commission heard the driver took off in his work van outside his rostered break, went off-grid for over an hour, and returned to knock off 30 minutes early, citing an informal workplace habit known as \u2018early fly\u2019.<\/p>\n
When confronted by supervisors the following day, the postie reportedly told management his whereabouts were \u201cnone of their business\u201d and allegedly remarked, \u201cI\u2019m going to have some fun for the next two years \u2026 I probably have another two years left before I retire\u201d. <\/p>\n
Australia Post presented evidence showing a broader pattern of behaviour, including 19 unexplained absences over a single month, 17 unanswered manager messages trying to check on his location, plus a habit of replying late at night when he knew supervisors were off duty.<\/p>\n
Despite arguments from the worker that the decision was harsh given his decades of service and mental health struggles, FWC Deputy President Tony Saunders upheld the termination. <\/p>\n
The tribunal ruled the postie engaged in \u2018serious and wilful misconduct\u2019 and was \u2018playing games\u2019 with management, leaving the employment relationship irreparably broken.<\/p>\n
An Australia Post spokesperson told news.com.au that Australia Post \u201cwelcomes the Fair Work Commission\u2019s finding on this matter\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe play an important role in delivering for the community and have high standards of conduct for all team members,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
Social media explodes<\/p>\n
While the Fair Work Commission backed Australia Post, KFC is firmly backing the craving people have for their finger-licking chicken.<\/p>\n
The fast-food giant\u2019s social media announcement sent Aussie internet users into overdrive, generating over 11,000 likes on Instagram within hours.<\/p>\n
Even rival brand KitKat jumped into the comments to show solidarity, writing, \u201cWe see you @KFC. We stand shoulder to shoulder with you when protecting breaks for all. Thank you comrade\u201d. <\/p>\n
Fans quickly flooded the post with praise for the campaign.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen is the Postie Box getting a run on the menu?\u201d one user asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a current postie and fellow KFC lover, this is why I love my job,\u201d another commented.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrb signing up to be a postie,\u201d a third joked.<\/p>\n
KFC Australia are loving the reaction from this initiative. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe reaction shows that Australians are ready to Go Full Chicken and know that delicious fried chicken should be enjoyed at all times of the day,\u201d a KFC Australia spokesperson told news.com.au.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether it\u2019s a lunchtime feed or a late-night craving, KFC has it covered.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"KFC has stepped up following the high-profile dismissal of a veteran Australia Post worker who lost his 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