A DHL worker at East Midlands Airport, Michael Dallard, expressed his disbelief after being removed from the London Marathon due to his involvement in a strike. The 48-year-old, with nearly 24 years of service at the logistics company, was informed by his employer that his spot would be given to a more ‘committed’ colleague just weeks before the event.

Despite feeling angry and upset, Dallard, a resident of Long Eaton, plans to run a marathon around the airport on the same day as the London race as a form of protest. DHL Aviation has issued an apology to Dallard, and the matter is under internal review. Unite the Union, leading industrial action over pay, stated that the company’s decision was part of targeted actions against striking employees.

Mr. Dallard secured a place in the London Marathon through his employer in December and has been training diligently. However, on March 12, he received an email confirming his removal due to his participation in industrial action that was deemed detrimental to the business.