DHL Express locks out workers across Canada, adding to parcel sector turmoil
MONTREAL — Unifor says DHL Express Canada locked out workers just after midnight today as the two sides failed to reach a contract deal, injecting more labour turmoil into the country's parcel delivery market.
The union, which represents 2,100 truck drivers, couriers and warehouse workers across seven provinces, says they went on strike in response at 11 a.m. ET.
Unifor says the German-owned carrier is proposing to change the driver pay system and planning to use replacement workers before legislation banning them comes into effect on June 20.
The work stoppage, which affects package delivery across the country, comes as Canada Post remains at loggerheads with 55,000 workers, whose union last month imposed an overtime ban that scales back parcel services.
Unifor says a work stoppage could disrupt next weekend's Formula One Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, where DHL is responsible for transporting the turbocharged race cars.
Unifor says its bargaining priorities remain wages, working conditions and surveillance and automation in the workplace.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2025.
Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press
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Unifor says 2,100 truck drivers, couriers and warehouse workers across seven provinces went on strike at 11 a.m. ET Sunday morning Published Jun 08, 2025 • Last updated 5 hours ago • 2 minute read A DHL delivery truck passes a company facility Oct. 20, 2020, in New York. Photo by Frank Franklin II / AP A strike and lockout that kicked off at DHL Canada Express on Sunday will barely tap the brakes on its parcel delivery service, the company says, as the union accuses it of deploying replacement workers. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. 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Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The carrier said it has rolled out a 'contingency plan' that allows it to keep serving its 50,000-plus customers, which range from retailer Lululemon to e-commerce giants Shein and Temu. 'With the implementation of these proactive measures, we are pleased to confirm that we can sustain our operations throughout our Canadian network, and we do not anticipate significant disruptions to our service,' DHL spokeswoman Pamela Duque Rai said Sunday in an email. Unifor, which represents more than 2,000 DHL truck drivers, couriers, warehouse and call centre employees, denounced any steps to supplant unionized workers with temporary ones. The move remains technically legal, said union president Lana Payne, as legislation banning replacement workers will not fully take effect until June 20. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'DHL sees this as a bit of a loophole and a time for them to put maximum pressure on our membership to concede,' she said in a phone interview. Unifor president Lana Payne. Photo by Postmedia Payne also warned of a chill setting in at the bargaining table. 'The relationship also worsens when you have an employer that thinks they can use replacement workers.' 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