DHL Express Locks Out Workers Across Canada Amid Parcel Sector Turmoil
Thousands of DHL workers across Canada are on strike following a lockout by the company, further straining the country’s parcel delivery system. On Sunday, June 8, over 2,100 employees represented by Unifor—including drivers, warehouse staff, couriers, and call centre agents—walked off the job after DHL Express Canada issued a lockout notice.
The job action adds to an already unstable delivery sector, as Canada Post also faces a standoff with its unionized workforce, currently under an overtime ban.
Company Says Deliveries Will Continue
Despite the strike and lockout, DHL says operations will continue across its Canadian network thanks to a contingency plan. According to spokesperson Pamela Duque Rai, the plan is in place to serve more than 50,000 customers, including major brands like Lululemon, Shein, and Temu.
“We do not anticipate significant disruptions to our service,” Rai said in a statement.
Union Condemns Use of Replacement Workers
Unifor accused DHL of using replacement workers, which is still legal under current Canadian law. However, new legislation banning the practice will come into effect on June 20. Union president Lana Payne called the timing deliberate and said DHL was “putting maximum pressure on our membership to concede.”
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Payne added that the relationship between the company and its workers has worsened, warning of a “chill at the bargaining table.”
Disputes Over Pay, Conditions, and Surveillance
Unifor says the core issues include:
- Wages and working conditions
- Increased surveillance and automation
- Proposed changes to the driver pay system
Under DHL’s proposal, some drivers could travel up to 100 km for pickups without pay, and “owner-operators”—independent contractors—could see reduced compensation.
In response, DHL said its proposal includes a 15% wage increase over five years, plus additional premiums for hazardous goods. The company also noted that its pay system revisions aim to address the evolving structure of Canada’s delivery market.
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Impact on Formula One Grand Prix?
The union warned that the strike could affect DHL’s role in transporting equipment for the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. However, DHL clarified that its F1 operations are separate and would not be impacted.
Sector-Wide Labour Struggles Continue
This lockout and strike come during a turbulent period for Canada’s delivery industry. With Canada Post and its 55,000 workers still locked in negotiations, and now DHL’s conflict added to the mix, Canadians could face parcel delivery disruptions if talks continue to stall.
Do you think the use of replacement workers before the June 20 ban is fair or a loophole being exploited? Share your thoughts below.
More…
- https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-dhl-express-canada-workers-union-unifor-parcel-service
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/dhl-express-locks-out-workers-across-canada-adding-to-parcel-sector-turmoil
- https://www.thestar.com/business/dhl-express-locks-out-workers-across-canada-adding-to-parcel-sector-turmoil/article_dd1d8c24-6cc0-53e0-b5bc-ff34af2c199e.html
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