Around 300 staff members employed by the logistics provider at the automotive manufacturer’s Solihull plant will commence unlimited strike action over pay disputes from May onwards, the trade union disclosed on Thursday. A further 300 heavy goods vehicle drivers, delivering transport services for the contract covering four cities across the Midlands and North West, have backed industrial action but dates have yet to be confirmed.
The total workforce of 600 logistics staff and lorry drivers manages the transportation of components and completed vehicles to and from the company’s regional operations. Employees have voiced strong objections to what the union described as an inadequate three percent wage offer put forward for 2026. The union’s national leader said the business earns considerable profits and has adequate financial resources to put forward a fair remuneration package, stressing the union’s dedication to safeguarding members’ jobs, pay and working terms, with complete union backing confirmed for the industrial action.
The union argued that the employer’s offer constitutes a real-terms pay cut when inflation is taken into consideration, with the retail price index currently at 3.6 percent, reports indicated. The logistics business declared operating profits of 6.1 billion euros for the preceding year.
Personnel at the Solihull site are set to commence unlimited strike action shortly after midnight on May 7. The drivers have accepted an offer to participate in further talks with management via the conciliation service. Should an acceptable offer not materialise, formal strike dates will be arranged.
A union official in the area remarked that the automotive manufacturer would endure significant operational disruption as a result of the employer’s refusal to propose a fair pay rise on financial grounds, though strike action could still be avoided should the employer present an acceptable deal.
A company representative conveyed disappointment regarding the union members’ decision to vote for industrial action, indicating continued willingness to engage in constructive discussions and commitment to reaching a resolution that recognises employee efforts while preserving operational viability.