JRL facing interior shortages as Birmingham supply chain workers ballot to strike

JRL facing interior shortages as Birmingham supply chain workers ballot to strike

IAC Solihull workers paid poverty wages while company brings in billions

Nearly 250 workers at International Automotive Components (IAC) in Solihull are being balloted to strike over pay, Unite, the UK's leading union, said today (Monday).

Most of the workers are paid the minimum wage. They have rejected a six per cent increase that will take their hourly rate to just £11.11. Other workers, who are paid little more for their roles, have also rejected staggered offers of six, seven and eight per cent.

American-owned IAC brings in billions of pounds per year. The company brought in global revenues of £2.4 billion in 2021, including £221 million from the UK.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "IAC pays its Solihull staff the bare minimum while bringing in hundreds of millions. It has the money to put forward a fair pay offer and that is what it needs to do. Our members at IAC have Unite's full backing and they will receive all the support they need."

The factory produces dashboards and door, roof and boot interiors and is a major supplier to JLR. Other clients include BMW and Ineos.

The ballot for strike action opened today and closes on 25 September.

Unite regional officer Jason Richard said: "JLR, BMW and Ineos will not be pleased that they are facing disruption because IAC is paying staff poverty wages. The impact of any strikes will be particularly severe for JLR as IAC's main client. The dispute can be resolved without the need for industrial action, but for that to happen IAC needs to put forward an offer our members can accept."

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

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Unite is Britain and Ireland's largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.