DHL Logistics Workers at JLR Solihull to Begin Indefinite Strike Over Pay Dispute
Around 600 logistics workers and HGV drivers employed by DHL on JLR contracts are preparing to launch indefinite strike action starting next month. The industrial action stems from a pay dispute, with workers deeming a three per cent offer for 2026 as unacceptable.
Details of the Strike Action
Unite the Union announced today, Thursday, April 16, 2026, that approximately 300 DHL workers at JLR's Solihull site will commence indefinite strike action just after midnight on May 7. Additionally, a further 300 HGV drivers, who operate across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Solihull, and Widnes on JLR contracts, have voted in favour of strike action, with specific dates yet to be confirmed.
These employees are crucial to JLR's operations, responsible for delivering parts and vehicles to and from the company's facilities in the West Midlands and North West. The union has highlighted that the three per cent pay offer represents a real-terms wage cut, given the current RPI inflation rate of 3.6 per cent.
Union and Company Responses
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham strongly criticised DHL, stating, "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 reported operating profits of 6.1 billion euros for 2025, a figure cited by the union to argue the company's ability to offer better terms. In response, DHL JLR drivers have agreed to further talks with the company, facilitated by the conciliation service Acas, in an effort to resolve the dispute before strikes escalate.
Potential Impact and Future Steps
Unite regional officer Melvyn Palmer warned of severe disruption to JLR's operations, attributing it to DHL's refusal to present a fair pay offer. "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," he said. "Strike action can still be avoided but that will require DHL tabling a deal our members can accept."
If an acceptable offer is not made following the Acas-mediated discussions, strike action will proceed as planned. JLR has been contacted for a statement regarding the potential impact on its supply chain and production schedules.
