Japan Post has scrapped a controversial practice of forcing delivery workers involved in minor accidents to complete their rounds by bicycle – even in extreme heat – after admitting the measure “could be perceived” as workplace harassment.
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The decision followed an internal investigation into an incident involving a delivery worker who was instructed to continue his rounds by bicycle for two weeks during a summer heatwave, despite daytime temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), the company confirmed on Friday.
Labour advocates say the episode reflects both the mounting strain on Japan’s delivery sector and a broader shift in public awareness surrounding employee rights, particularly following recent workplace abuse scandals in other industries.
In an interview with national broadcaster NHK, the unnamed mailman recounted how his work motorcycle had fallen over while parked in August, causing minor damage to Japan Post property. Following the incident, his supervisor ordered him to complete the same delivery route on a bicycle.
“It was physically and mentally painful,” the man said. “And my boss gave me no clear reason for the order.”
The worker said he managed to complete his deliveries over the next eight days only by working beyond his allotted hours and relying on his colleagues for help.