Potential DHL Express Canada strike could begin June 8

Unifor members at DHL Express Canada voted in favour of strike action in early May, with 97 per cent support in a national vote, meaning both sides are in strike position as of June 8.

The union, which represents more than 2,000 workers at DHL locations across Canada, says negotiations have stalled after more than 25 days at the bargaining table since talks began in September 2024.

“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.”

The union says its key priorities include improved working conditions, fair wages and greater recognition and respect, while the employer has proposed concessions and refused to engage in monetary discussions.

DHL applied for conciliation, placing both sides in a legal strike or lockout position as of June 8.

“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. In Quebec and across the country, we’ll stand with them to demand respect and the working conditions they deserve.”

Unifor says labour relations with DHL are at their worst in more than two decades, pointing to a record number of unresolved grievances on issues ranging from safe washroom access to seniority lists and productivity demands.

“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 also accuses DHL of reducing full-time positions to part-time at locations across the country, despite the company reporting 2024 income of €84 billion ($131.7 billion CDN).

The next round of national negotiations are taking place in Toronto June 1 to 8.