Major strike action could take place aimed at bringing Jaguar Land Rover's plant at Halewood "to a standstill".
The Unite union is preparing to ballot its workers employed by logistics and courier firm DHL at the huge Halewood plant for strike action. The union says the move id a "direct result" of the company's management refusing to respond to serious safety concerns and allegedly victimising Unite representatives.
The workers are employed by DHL on the logistics, distribution and transport contract for Jaguar Land Rover at its Halewood plant in Merseyside and plants across the Midlands. The Halewood plant in Knowsley is a major economic asset to the region and employs thousands of local people.
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Unite claims DHL bosses have refused to deal with workers raising safety concerns related to defective vehicles belonging to the courier company. Union representatives have now tabled a collective grievance with the company setting out their concerns and stating: "We no longer have any trust or confidence in our management team."
Unite General Secretary Sharon Grahamde accused the company of "union busting", adding: “DHL should take note that unless these matters are quickly resolved then Unite will leave no stone unturned to secure safe work terms for our members and justice for those who’ve been victimised.”
DHL said it was 'concerned' to hear the news of a potential strike ballot and refuted the claims made.
A spokesman for DHL Supply Chain said: "We are surprised and concerned by Unite's statement. We have not been informed of any intention from Unite to ballot its members regarding potential industrial action.
"Colleague safety is DHL’s utmost priority and we strongly refute the claims being made. We will be urgently communicating with our Unite representatives to establish more detail about the claims."
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