The strike, called by Unite the union, follows a vote by workers who rejected a 3% pay offer for 2026, which they described as a 'real terms wage cut' with RPI inflation at 3.6%. Unite regional officer Melvyn Palmer said JLR will not be happy that its operations are facing severe disruption, and accused DHL of refusing to put forward a fair pay offer. He added that strike action can still be avoided if DHL puts forward a better deal. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said DHL is hugely profitable and can afford an acceptable pay offer.
A DHL Supply Chain spokesperson expressed regret that Unite members at one of their automotive transport contracts voted for industrial action. The spokesperson said DHL remains open to constructive discussions and is committed to reaching a resolution that recognises colleagues' contributions while protecting long-term competitiveness.
The strike adds to recent disruptions at JLR. The company paused production at its Solihull factory weeks ago over supply shortages, and was also plagued by an extended shutdown due to a cyberattack last year. Separately, over 300 DHL HGV drivers working for JLR in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Solihull and Widnes have voted in favour of strike action, but dates have not been confirmed.