Striking worker kicked out of the Marathon by bosses
DHL APOLOGISES AFTER HANDING HIS PLACE IN THE LONDON EVENT TO A COLLEAGUE
A STRIKING DHL worker was stunned to learn his bosses had removed him Sunday’s London Marathon.
Michael Dallard has nearly 24 years of service with the logistics giant and works at its East Midlands Airport base.
He won a spot in the marathon through his employers in December, but last month received an email confirming he had been withdrawn from the event.
The email said Mr Dallard’s strike action was “to the detriment” of the business, adding: “Whilst we understand and respect your right to participate in industrial action, we want to ensure the London Marathon places are taken by those who have demonstrated their dedication and commitment to the success of our business over the previous 12 months.”
The company has since apologised to him for its handling of the situation, but the email, which confirmed Mr Dallard’s place had been handed to another colleague, came after months of training for the race.
Dallard, 48, said: “I felt quite angry and upset about it. I was in disbelief and passed it on to the union reps. It makes it personal.
“It’s most runners’ dream to run in the capital city of the country and it gets taken away just like that for doing something you’re allowed to do. It’s not a bad company, it’s just this situation.”
Mr Dallard is one of a number of DHL staff at the airport who have been on strike over pay since February. He now aims to turn a negative into a positive by running four laps of the airport on the same day as the London Marathon. He has already raised £1,200 for various charities and hopes friends and colleagues will join him on the run on Sunday.
Union officials with Unite, who have been leading DHL’s strike action, say they will not be deterred by the logistics firm’s attitude.
Melanie Todner, regional officer for the East Midlands at Unite, claimed DHL had been treating many of its 180 striking staff unfairly, through actions such as disciplinary meetings, suspensions and harassment.
She said: “We only choose strike action as a last resort but when we do it unfortunately has an impact on the business and managers don’t always react in the way they should.”
A DHL Aviation spokesman said: “We would like to sincerely apologise to Michael for his experience and how this was handled.
“This matter has been discussed with the union and is being addressed internally. In regard to concerns raised around unfair practices concerning dismissal and suspension, we would like to confirm that all cases in the business are reviewed fairly and actioned in line with HR policy.”
I was in disbelief and passed it on to the union reps. It makes it personal
Michael Dallard, above