JLR Solihull DHL logistics workers to strike over pay
DHL JLR HGV drivers also voted for strike action with dates to be announced, if talks fail
Last updated 10 minutes ago
Around 300 DHL logistics workers based at JLR in Solihull will begin indefinite strike action over pay in early May, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.
More than 300 DHL HGV drivers working on the JLR contract in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Solihull and Widnes have also voted in favour of strike action, with dates yet to be announced.
The logistics workers and HGV drivers, involved in delivering parts and cars to and from JLR’s West Midlands and North West operations, are angry at an unacceptable three per cent pay offer for 2026.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “DHL is hugely profitable – it can more than afford to put forward an acceptable pay offer and that is what needs to happen. Unite always defends our members' jobs, pay and conditions and DHL’s JLR workforce have their union’s full backing in taking strike action for a fair pay rise.”
DHL’s offer is a real terms wage cut with the RPI rate of inflation standing at 3.6 per cent.
DHL recently announced operating profits of 6.1 billion euros for 2025.
DHL JLR Solihull workers will begin indefinite strike action at 00:01 hours on 7 May.
DHL JLR drivers have agreed to meet with the company for further talks under the auspices of the conciliation service Acas. If an acceptable offer is not put forward, strike action will be scheduled.
Unite regional officer Melvyn Palmer said: “JLR will not be happy that its operations are facing severe disruption because DHL is refusing to put forward a fair pay offer out of greed. Strike action can still be avoided but that will require DHL tabling a deal our members can accept.”
A DHL Supply Chain spokesperson said in a statement: “We regret that Unite members based at one of our automotive transport contracts have voted in favour of industrial action.
"We remain open to constructive discussions and are committed to reaching a resolution for all parties that recognises the contribution of our colleagues while protecting the long-term competitiveness of the operation.”
JLR were also approached for comment.