DHL workers at JLR Halewood win

Fears that the JLR plant at Halewood on Merseyside could grind to a halt this spring have been averted after Unite agreed a deal with the company’s contractor DHL, following the withdrawal of shift premiums.

The dispute arose as a result of the DHL workforce – who are employed on the logistics and dispatch contract at Halewood supplying the production line with components – facing the removal of shift premiums as a result of an alteration in the workers’ starting time.

Following the intervention of Unite, DHL agreed to pay the entire workforce a new payment worth 12.5 per cent of earnings in compensation for the withdrawal of the shift premium. The deal benefits over 600 workers employed by DHL at Halewood.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “This was an important result and a direct result of our members being clear and united that they would not and could not afford to accept a huge reduction in their earnings.

“This result underlines how Unite’s focus on the jobs, pay and conditions of its members is paying direct financial dividends.”

Unite regional officer Joey Swift added, “The deal for our DHL members at Halewood was only possible due to the strong union organisation at the plant. My message to all workers is if you aren’t currently in a union, join Unite.”

By Barckley Sumner