DHL workers to vote on deal which could end JLR dispute
SUPPLY workers to Jaguar Land Rover are to vote on a pay deal which could end further disruption at the vehicle manufacturer’s UK plants.
Unite members at logistics group DHL are being recommended to accept the terms of a new settlement proposed by management.
Unite executive officer Tony Woodley said the deal was a significant one, which would provide equality of pay for the DHL workers.
The DHL workers had staged a 30-minute walk-out last week in the dispute because they were unhappy about the lack of progress on the pay negotiations.
JLR, which had said it had contingencies in place to ensure the strike did not impact production, has welcomed the development.
The DHL employees, who work alongside the JLR workers, are seeking pay parity with those employed by the Indian-owned group.
DHL is JLR’s logistics partner and its staff manage stock at various warehouses to ensure there is a steady supply of parts to the three factories.
Reports had suggested that DHL workers have been offered a 4.5% increase backdated to January and a 3% increase or the rate of inflation during 2014.
However, Unite is thought to want a 12.8% rise for the 1,800 DHL employees working directly at the JLR plants plus 20.6% for the drivers delivering the parts.
