Parts giant DHL, Jaguar Land Rover’s biggest supplier, is facing a major shopfloor revolt over compulsory weekend working.

The German-owned group has angered workers with plans for new weekend shifts to keep pace with demand from the Midlands’ biggest manufacturer following its major sales successes and expansion.

DHL has sent out a document to workers at Castle Bromwich, Halewood, Hams Hall and Solihull outlining new flexibility working, which it says “will form the basis of discussion with the Unite union as part of our pay 2013 negotiations.”

The document stresses “We work to keep JLR working” and highlights plans for a ‘contractual commitment to work catch-back or overtime.’

The German group says workers should be ‘committed to matching and supporting production where JLR operates ‘Assured Saturday Working,’ ‘compulsory Saturday overtime or equivalent schemes’.

But a DHL worker, who asked not to be named, said: “Both Land Rover and Jaguar are doing very well, which is a great thing for the Midlands but if we are going to be working Saturdays and Sundays, it will be a huge disruption to family life. It is going to cause mayhem for people with young children.”

Ballot papers are to be sent out to up to 1,000 drivers, forklift truck operators and handling staff at JLR’s three biggest manufacturing plants which could lead to a vote for industrial action.