DELIVERY workers gathered last night to rally outside a parcel depot in solidarity with a sacked colleague.

GMB Scotland members protested at the gates of the Yodel centre in Bellshill to call for the reinstatement of union rep Michael Hawthorne.

As told by the Glasgow Times earlier this month, Michael was sacked following a dispute with a self-employed driver.

Union members further claim that pressures placed on staff have created health and safety concerns about practices in the warehouse.

Glasgow Times: Mick Hawthorne Picture: Colin Mearns

Yodel, however, refutes all allegations in the strongest terms and said it "stands by all of the decisions taken", which were "justified and evidence based".

Last night's rally called on the firm to make the workplace safer and to end what it claims is the "victimisation" of a trade union representative.

GMB Scotland Organiser John Slaven said: "Everyone should be able to go about their job in a safe environment and challenge unsafe working practices without fear of victimisation by their employer, but Yodel don’t think this should extend to our members.

"Yodel is increasing its use of ‘paid by parcel’ agency staff to maximise profits and minimise core staff costs, piling more pressure on precarious workers, leading to several near-miss incidents involving vehicles and workers.

"But instead of engaging with our members, Yodel’s response has been to suspend and then sack our workplace health and safety representative.

Glasgow Times: John Slaven, GMB Scotland organiser Picture: Colin Mearns

Delivery staff were classed as key workers during the pandemic and last year went through an industrial action ballot over pay.

This dispute was settled following talks.

Members are now being balloted again in relation to industrial action with the vote among delivery service drivers closing today at noon.

Union bosses said a positive outcome for the ballot could result in strike action from as early as next month, if health and safety concerns are not addressed.

John added: "It makes a mockery of the so-called 'fair work' agenda, but the real fear is that someone could be seriously hurt.

"That’s why GMB is calling time on these unsustainable pressures.

Glasgow Times: Yodel's main Scottish depot at Bellshill Picture: Colin Mearns

"If our members choose to support strikes then this will significantly impact deliveries, and Yodel’s clients can blame the managers who are treating these key workers with total contempt.

"So, our message to management is loud and clear: Stop these health and safety abuses, and the victimisation of trade unionists.

"Get back round the table with GMB, reinstate our representative and let’s make work better for key workers in Yodel."

A spokesperson for Yodel said: "The decisions were in line with our relevant internal policies and procedures and reflected our legal obligations and ACAS's guidance.

Glasgow Times: Roz Foyer, STUC General Secretary. At left is John Slaven, GMB Scotland organiser Picture: Colin Mearns

"We treat all employees consistently and no individual was treated less favourably or subjected to any form of detriment due to their Trade Union duties or activities or other inappropriate reason.

"We are working closely with GMB Scotland to resolve this matter and will be happy to present all documentary and witness evidence in due course, should a tribunal claim be made."