A FURIOUS protest was staged outside DX Courier in Birmingham today to demand the “immediate reinstatement” of a worker allegedly sacked for taking part in union activities.

GMB union workers gathered outside the firm’s Tipton site from 5am in support of the dismissed colleague and against claims of mistreatment towards staff.

The action follows a dispute over union recognition and worker status. The union claims DX Courier treats its employees as self-employed when they should be compensated as salaried workers.

Workers are allegedly being targeted for lodging complaints against the company and GMB fears others will be dismissed.

GMB organiser Ian Edwards said: “DX couriers, like everyone else, have a right to join a trade union for protection at work.

“Couriers delivering for DX cannot be classed as anything other than employed when you look at the law.

“DX may not like giving workers the rights they’re legally entitled to but they don’t get to pick and choose which laws they adhere to.

“For DX to dismiss someone for trying to exercise their legal rights is disgraceful.”

He added that the union was protesting to demand his immediate reinstatement.

The action at DX Couriers follows similar disputes in the so-called gig economy at companies like Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Amazon.

Workers classed as self-employed have fewer working rights such as not being paid for sickness and holidays.

DX Courier did not respond to requests for comment at the time of going to press.