DHL Express Canada workers strike

🔴 What's Going On?

• Unifor, the union representing roughly 2,100–2,500 DHL Express Canada workers (including drivers, couriers, warehouse staff, clerical workers, and owner-operators), has been negotiating with DHL since September 2024. Their collective bargaining agreement expired on December 31, 2024, and talks have significantly

• A strike mandate was overwhelmingly approved in mid‑May, with 97% of union members voting yes to authorize strike action

  | Date Event

  | June 1–8 Final negotiation round in Toronto; no deal reached

  | June 4 DHL served a lockout notice to Uniform

  | June 5 Unifor issued its strike notice, set to begin June 8 if no deal

  | June 8, 0:01 ET Legal lockout by DHL begins if agreement isn’t reached

  | June 8, 11 am ET Union may legally begin striking in regions as early as 11 am ET

  Dispute Issues

  Unifor says DHL is pushing to:

  • Decrease driver compensation (e.g., forcing 100 km unpaid travel, reduced owner‑operator pay)

  • Cut or eliminate guarantees

  • Restrict accommodation rights and lay off employees

  • Increase automation and surveillance

  • Reduce full-time roles in favour of part-time positions

  Workers are fighting for:

  • Better wages and cost-of-living adjustments

  • Improved working conditions, including washroom access and workplace respect

  • Protection of owner‑operator income

  • Limits on subcontracting and surveillance

    Impact & Contingency Measures

    • DHL has activated contingency plans, claiming it can maintain service across Canada and doesn’t foresee major disruptions

    • However, Unifor warns that replacement workers are being prepared for deployment, pointing to a "loophole" ahead of the June 20 legislation

    • Industry watchers note this adds to widespread parcel-sector turmoil, with Canada Post still amid labour unrest

    • There's potential for disruption to major events like the, given DHL's role in transporting race equipment

      What to Watch

      • June 8: the key date when either lockout or strike can legally begin.

      • June 20: anti-scab law in effect—post this date, DHL can no longer legally use replacement workers.

      • Ongoing negotiations: last-minute deals or resolve could emerge, but tensions are high.

        Summary

        A lockout by DHL has already begun, with strike action pending as of June 8. Both sides remain far apart, centering on pay cuts, working conditions, subcontracting, and automation. DHL claims it's ready to continue operations; Unifor warns of service impact and potential disruptions, especially ahead of the anti-scab law. Watch for further updates around June 8 and June 20.

        Feel free to ask if you want insights on how this might affect parcel delivery in Canada, or updates as the negotiation progresses.