DHL settles long pay dispute with JLR workers

DHL has announced that pay talks with Unite have “successfully concluded” after the union’s members earlier gave strong backing for industrial action following a long-running dispute.

On November 15, it was revealed DHL workers at Jaguar Land Rover plants in Birmingham and Solihull could potentially walk out after 2,000 Unite members were balloted for action.

But the global logistics firm, which sorts parts for the car manufacturer, said pay negotiations had now been settled.

A DHL Supply Chain spokesman said: “We are pleased that the current pay negotiations have been successfully concluded.

“We now look forward to supporting our customer on the next stage of its exciting transformational journey.”

No further details about the negotiations were immediately revealed.

Unite, which didn’t reveal the full results of the ballot, has been asked for further comment.

In August, it claimed hundreds of drivers and warehouse operatives had allegedly been “plagued” by incorrect payslips with ‘no rise for workers since 2018.

The union, which warned that any potential strike involving DHL workers at Midland car giant Jaguar Land Rover would have a “serious and immediate” impact, also said furlough had been a major issue.

The union claimed some staff were owed as much as £800 in arrears after complicated calculations meant some employees were underpaid.

There was also fury when DHL announced it would make Jaguar Land Rover workers hand back furlough cash after so-called “overpayment”.

At the time, national officer Matt Draper described the situation as a “debacle” and said it was outrageous pay issues were outstanding.

He said: “If our members had performed their duties in the same manner as DHL has handled the issue of flexible furlough pay, they would have been sacked.”

Industrial action would have impacted Jaguar Land Rover sites in the West Midlands and Merseyside, including Castle Bromwich, Halewood, Hams Hall, Midpoint Tyrefort and Solihull.