DHL said it was still open to discuss a solution to a pay dispute among HGV drivers at JLR after more than 300 workers in Solihull, Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Widnes voted in favour of strikes.
The Unite union said the logistics workers and lorry drivers, involved in delivering parts and cars to and from JLR’s West Midlands and North West operations, were angry at an “unacceptable” 3% pay offer for 2026.
Solihull employees will commence indefinite strike action on 7 May, with dates yet to be announced for the workers at the other sites.
Unite said industrial action would cause severe disruption to JLR’s operations and would be particularly unwelcome at Solihull, which only recently bounced back from a cyberattack last year.
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.”
The union added that JLR drivers had agreed to meet with the company for further talks alongside conciliation service Acas, but if an acceptable offer was not made the strikes would go ahead.
A DHL Supply Chain spokeswoman said: “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.”
