DHL Express Workers Strike Is Happening Now

This past Thursday witnessed a significant labor action as over 1,100 unionized DHL Express workers initiated a strike. The work stoppage primarily involved ramp and tug staff at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, an integral global hub for the renowned international parcel delivery company.

The striking workers are part of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a mighty union representing DHL members, which totals over 6,000 across the country. According to the Teamsters, the strike was intended to ‘protest unfair labor practices and demand a fair contract,’ a statement which came after a summer-long negotiation process. These discussions aimed at achieving ‘improved pay and working conditions,’ failed to meet the workers’ expectations.

Local 100 President Bill Davis highlighted the power DHL has to resolve the ongoing dispute by respecting the union members and agreeing to a robust contract.

“DHL Express remains committed to working with the US Teamsters and agreeing to a contract for the portion of the CVG employees they represent. While there is no agreed deadline for these contract negotiations, we are committed to working in good faith at the December negotiating sessions and have offered further negotiating dates in January to conclude this matter.”

DHL company statement via FOX Business

The Teamsters union alleges DHL of putting forward disrespectful demands and neglecting to address the unfair labor practices, including retaliation against pro-union employees. The union has lodged multiple complaints against DHL with the National Labor Relations Board. DHL Express, on its part, expressed commitment toward working with the US Teamsters and reaching an agreement beneficial for the employees they represent. This statement was issued to FOX Business in the wake of accusations by the Teamsters, who claimed DHL was attempting to enforce unreasonable contract terms.

Even amidst the strike, DHL affirmed that a majority of workers at their CVG base remained on the job. To maintain their high service standards during this critical period, DHL announced that it had implemented contingency plans, which included rerouting flights and volume to other DHL locations, and deploying replacement staff as needed.

With additional facilities in Atlanta, Miami, and various parts of the U.S., DHL Express remains confident in its ability to continue operations despite the ongoing strike. As the labor dispute continues to develop, observers worldwide are closely monitoring the Germany-based DHL Group, which DHL Express is part of, employing several hundreds of thousands of individuals all over the world.