Strike Ballot Looms Over Jaguar Land Rover Solihull as DHL Pay Offer Fails to Materialise
The spectre of industrial action hangs over Jaguar Land Rover's flagship Solihull manufacturing plant, as approximately 300 logistics workers employed by DHL are set to be balloted on strike action. The Unite union announced today that the ballot is a direct response to DHL's failure to table a pay offer for the year 2026, a situation that has left workers without their scheduled annual pay increase.
Pay Rise Delay Sparks Ballot for Industrial Action
Unite has confirmed that the workers, whose crucial role involves transporting vehicle parts to the factory and moving finished cars from the production line, are proceeding with a formal ballot due to this significant pay dispute. The union emphasised that this failure means the annual pay rise for DHL staff, which is contractually supposed to be implemented every January, has not been actioned for 2026, creating considerable unrest among the workforce.
The ballot process is scheduled to open on February 18th and will close on March 11th, giving workers the opportunity to vote on whether to authorise strike action. Such industrial action, if approved, would undoubtedly cause severe and immediate disruption to JLR's manufacturing operations at the Solihull site, potentially halting production lines and delaying vehicle deliveries.
Union Leaders Condemn DHL's Approach
Unite's General Secretary, Sharon Graham, issued a strong statement regarding the dispute, highlighting DHL's financial position. “DHL is a hugely profitable company so there is no excuse for its failure to put forward a fair offer,” she stated. “These workers have Unite’s total support in demanding DHL table an acceptable offer.”
Echoing this sentiment, Unite Regional Officer Melvyn Palmer placed the responsibility squarely on DHL's management. “DHL will be entirely responsible for any disruption caused to JLR if it continues to put off submitting a fair pay offer,” Palmer warned. He added a note of caution, stating, “Industrial action can be avoided but that will require DHL tabling a deal our members can accept.”
Potential Impact on Automotive Manufacturing Hub
The Solihull plant is a cornerstone of the UK's automotive industry, and any sustained industrial action by logistics staff would have a profound impact on its output. The dispute centres on the fundamental issue of timely and fair pay negotiations, with workers feeling their contributions are not being adequately recognised by their employer, DHL.
BirminghamLive has approached Jaguar Land Rover for comment on the potential disruption to its operations. The situation remains fluid, with the outcome of the ballot in March set to determine the next steps. All eyes will be on whether DHL management engages in meaningful negotiations to avert a costly and disruptive strike at one of the Midlands' most important industrial facilities.
