Delivery service workers and trade union leaders will rally at Yodel’s main Scottish depot in Bellshill on Thursday night over a number of workplace grievances.
GMB Scotland are calling on the courier giant to make their workplaces safer, to support and respect directly employed staff, and to end the victimisation of local trade union representatives.
The rally is in support of key workers who are balloting for industrial action over long-running health and safety concerns at Yodel’s Bellshill distribution depot.
That comes against the backdrop of COVID-19 pressures, and the sacking of the recognised trade union health and safety representative who had been challenging the employer over dangerous working conditions.
The ballot of delivery service drivers closes this Friday, February 18 at 12pm, the result of which could result in disruptive strike action from as early as next month.
GMB Scotland organiser John Slaven told Lanarkshire Live : "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. 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. 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 spokesman for Yodel said they stand by all of the decisions taken and are "absolutely satisfied" that the action taken was justified and evidence based.
They added: "The decisions were in line with our relevant internal policies and procedures and reflected our legal obligations and ACAS's guidance.
"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.”
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