DHL drivers working for Jaguar Land Rover in Wolverhampton and Birmingham voting over strike action
DHL drivers including contractors working for Jaguar Land Rover in Wolverhampton and Birmingham are to be balloted for strike action over pay.
They are among more than 300 heavy goods vehicle drivers in the West Midlands and in the North West regions who have voted in favour of industrial action.
The Wolverhampton JLR site at iM54 near Featherstone produces is transitioning to electric drive units and battery packs.
The union members, who delivering parts and cars, are up in dispute over claims DHL's failed to put forward a pay offer for 2026.
Unite the union said the annual pay rise for DHL workers, which is supposed to be implemented every January, has not gone ahead.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “DHL is an extremely profitable company, so there is no justification for its failure to present a fair offer. These workers have Unite’s full backing in ensuring DHL put forward an acceptable deal.”
The ballot for the HGV drivers closes on April 13. Industrial action would cause severe disruption to JLR’s UK operations.
Unite regional officer Melvyn Palmer said: “DHL will be fully accountable for any disruption to JLR if it continues delaying a fair pay offer. Industrial action can still be avoided, but that will require DHL to present a deal our members are willing to accept.”
The Solihull logistics workers have already voted in favour of striking. Those dates will be announced in the coming days.
A DHL Supply Chain spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Unite has announced its intention to ballot HGV drivers on one of our automotive contracts, and we regret that Unite members based at our Logistics Operation Centre in Solihull 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.”
