DHL suspends international imports, plans to shut down Canadian operations amid labour dispute

DHL Express Canada has halted international package imports as of June 16 and plans to shut down operations nationwide by June 19 if no tentative agreement is reached with unionized workers, according to the union representing the employees.

In a statement, the union said its bargaining committee met with Geoff Walsh, CEO of DHL Express Canada, who informed them of the company’s contingency plans.

The shutdown would occur just ahead of new federal anti-scab legislation taking effect June 20, which introduces financial penalties for employers using replacement workers during a labour dispute.

The union accused DHL of having “blatantly” used scab labour throughout the ongoing lockout and strike action.

Union members at DHL Express Canada were locked out shortly after midnight June 8, following a breakdown in negotiations and Unifor’s rejection of concessions proposed by the company.