DHL workers at JLR vote for industrial action - The Solihull Observer

DHL workers at JLR vote for industrial action

Solihull Editorial 29th Oct, 2021   0

PRODUCTION at Solihull’s Jaguar Land Rover factory is under threat as warehouse workers hold a ballot to strike.

Around 2,000 DHL workers who sort and deliver components at JLR sites across the UK, are being balloted for industrial action, including the option to strike, after receiving no pay rise since 2018, Unite the union said

The union have warned the impact of any action could impact work at at the Lode Lane, Castle Bromwich, Halewood, Hams Hall and Midpoint Tyrefort factories.

The ballot closes on November 15.




DHL has offered 1.75 per cent to cover the two-and-a-half years from 2020, which was ‘grossly inadequate’, given the soaring cost of living and the RPI inflation rate at 4.9 per cent.

Unite said it understands that DHL has accepted about £95million of taxpayers’ furlough cash.


The company globally made profits of £1.2billion.

Unite national officer for road transport and logistics Matt Draper said: “Any industrial action by our members, who sort and deliver components to the production lines, will have a serious and immediate impact on vehicle production.

“The current offer is grossly inadequate.

“We are having talks at Acas and we hope DHL has sent the right people and brings forward constructive proposals for a decent pay increase that will avert possible strike action.”

A spokesperson for DHL Supply Chain said: “Following constructive talks with Unite in recent weeks, during which we presented our comprehensive pay proposals, we are disappointed that the union and its members are balloting on industrial action.

“In addition to our meeting with Acas, we are in active dialogue with the union to reach a satisfactory outcome for all parties, but contingency plans are being drawn up to minimise disruption should the action go ahead.”

A spokesperson from JLR said: “We are disappointed that Unite members have rejected DHL’s pay offer and decided to ballot for industrial action. We encourage both DHL and its Unite members to reach an agreement.”

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