'DHL is hugely profitable,' says union as logistics workers at JLR Solihull set to strike over pay

DHL logistics workers at JLR in Solihull have voted to take indefinite strike action over pay.

Around 300 DHL logistics workers based at JLR’s manufacturing plant at Solihull will begin indefinite strike action over pay in early May, Unite, the UK’s leading union has said.

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, have expressed frustration over a three per cent pay offer for 2026, which has been labelled as unacceptable after DHL announced operating profits of 6.1 billion euros for 2025.

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.”

The union said DHL’s offer is a real-terms wage cut with the RPI rate of inflation standing at 3.6 per cent.

It added that DHL JLR drivers have agreed to meet with bosses at the business for further talks under the auspices of the conciliation service ACAS. If an acceptable offer is not put forward, strike action will begin at 12.01am on May 7.

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 spokesperson for DHL Supply Chain said of the situation: “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 declined to comment.

The luxury car maker is still recovering from last year’s cyber attack, which brought production at its factories in Solihull, Halewood and Wolverhampton to a standstill for nearly six weeks - costing an estimated £1.9 billion.