Japan Post ends policy of requiring delivery staff to ride bicycles as a form of punishment

Japan Post has recently halted a contentious policy that required delivery personnel involved in minor accidents to finish their rounds on bicycles. This practice has drawn criticism and has been deemed a form of workplace harassment.

Change in Policy Following Investigation

The decision to end this practice comes after an internal investigation into a specific incident. A delivery worker was ordered to ride a bicycle for two weeks during a summer heatwave when temperatures soared above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). The company confirmed this development on Friday.

Incidence of Workplace Harassment

Labour advocates highlight that this incident reflects increased pressure within Japan’s delivery sector. It also signals a broader cultural shift regarding employee rights, especially in light of recent workplace abuse scandals across various industries.

• Incident Overview: A delivery worker faced punitive cycling after a minor accident.
• Temperature: Daytime highs exceeded 35 degrees Celsius during the punishment.
• Public Reaction: Increasing awareness of employee rights following multiple abuse reports.

Worker’s Account

In an interview with NHK, the affected postman shared his experience. He explained that his work motorcycle had tipped over while parked in August, resulting in minor damage. Despite this, his supervisor demanded he complete his delivery route on a bicycle.

The postman described the situation as both physically and mentally exhausting. He noted a lack of explanation for this order from his supervisor, which added to his distress. To fulfill his delivery duties over the subsequent eight days, he worked extended hours and relied on the support of his colleagues.

Impact of Guidelines on Workplace Rights

In 2022, Japan introduced guidelines aimed at promoting human rights within the workplace. This policy shift may reflect an evolving attitude towards employee treatment, as organizations reassess practices that negatively impact worker welfare.

Japan Post’s retracting of this policy marks a significant step toward improving conditions for its delivery staff and aligns with the growing public demand for better employee rights protection.