Unifor members at DHL Express Canada voted 97 per cent in favour of strike action, putting pressure on the multinational courier company as labour relations deteriorate.
The strike vote, which concluded May 10, follows months of stalled negotiations between the union and the employer, with workers potentially in a legal strike position by June 8.
“We will fully support our members as they stand strong and fight for a fair contract,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “This is yet another multinational corporation putting billions of dollars of profits first, while leaving its employees way behind.”
Negotiations stall after months at bargaining table
Bargaining began in September 2024, with the parties spending over 25 days in negotiations. Union priorities include improving working conditions, securing fair wages, and gaining recognition and respect for workers, while the company has proposed concessions.
DHL Express Canada applied for conciliation after refusing to engage in monetary discussions, according to the union. This move establishes June 8 as the earliest date workers could legally strike or be locked out.
“There is an unprecedented level of confrontation at DHL,” said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. “Our members are being pushed to the limit while the company reports record profits. The message is clear: the workers will not back down.”
Labour relations at historic low
Union officials describe labour relations with DHL as being at their lowest point in over two decades of collective bargaining history with the company. A record number of grievances have been filed concerning workplace issues including washroom access, seniority rights, productivity demands and employee terminations.
“Prior to this the parties would sit down and resolve issues,” said Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer Len Poirier. “We are fighting a company who continues to make mass profits while slashing jobs of our DHL Express Canada members. Some things don’t add up.”
The union reports the company has been aggressively converting full-time positions to part-time across the country while posting substantial earnings. DHL reported income of 84 billion euros (approximately $131.7 million Canadian) for 2024.
Next steps
The next round of national negotiations is scheduled for June 1-8 in Toronto. Unifor represents over 2,000 DHL Express Canada workers across six locals in British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Ontario, as well as members in Alberta.
Workers include owner-operators of trucks, clerical staff, warehouse employees and drivers.
