A trucking industry company has banned its employees from using the word ‘mate.’

3AW Mornings was contacted by one of the company’s employees who said he was made aware of the ban at a recent training session.

Richard (not his real name) told Neil Mitchell he was gobsmacked by the rule.

‘It’s unethical, apparently,’ he explained.

‘People might take offence if you say mate.

‘I don’t know why.’

He said the ban also extended to words like ‘madam’, ‘love’ and ‘dude.’

‘I never thought I’d see the day in Australia where I couldn’t say mate.’

Click PLAY below to hear ‘Richard’ speak with Neil Mitchell.