DHL Express Canada has issued a lockout notice to Unifor, escalating labour tensions just days before a contract deadline that could disrupt service for 50,000 customers across the country.
The German-owned courier company served notice June 4 to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of its intention to lock out more than 2,100 workers represented by Unifor, even as negotiations continued. The move came four days before the June 8 deadline to reach a new collective agreement.
Unifor responded by filing a 72-hour strike notice June 5, setting up a potential work stoppage that could begin as early as Sunday if no deal is reached.
“This is the purest show of contempt and disrespect to our members. We won’t be intimidated by DHL’s pressure tactics,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Strike could affect major events
Any work disruption would likely ripple through Canada’s courier industry, potentially affecting UPS and Loomis due to integrated contracts between freight companies. The timing could also disrupt the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal June 13-15, as DHL handles equipment and car transport for Formula One teams.
DHL Express Canada workers voted 97% in favour of strike action last month. The company’s affected employees include truck drivers, couriers, warehouse and clerical workers across six provinces, represented by Unifor locals in British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Alberta.
Key bargaining issues
Contract negotiations have continued since last year after the previous agreement expired Dec. 31. Unifor’s priorities include improving working conditions such as access to clean washrooms, securing fair wages, and addressing surveillance and automation concerns.
The union says DHL is demanding concessions that would negatively affect worker pay, despite the company’s North American operations generating over $6 billion EUR ($4.6 billion CAD) in revenue last year.
“Our members deserve a fair contract. It’s time this employer delivers respect to its workers,” said Payne.
Timeline for potential disruption
If no tentative agreement is reached by Sunday, DHL could legally lock out workers starting 12:01 a.m. EST June 9, while Unifor could begin strike action at 11 a.m. EST the same day.
Any strike would follow a rolling notice system, with workers in different time zones beginning picket lines based on Eastern Standard Time.
“This conflict has major repercussions for our members here in Quebec, who are proud, experienced workers providing a vital service,” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director. “Instead of recognizing their value, DHL is threatening their jobs and their livelihoods.”
Customer impact
DHL Express Canada serves major international companies operating in Canada, including Temu, SHEIN and Siemens Canada. The company has contracts with more than two dozen international firms with Canadian locations.
Unifor represents 320,000 workers across Canada’s private sector and describes itself as the country’s largest private sector union.
