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Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Unifor members at DHL Express Canada locked out after refusing to accept concessions
TORONTO, June 8, 2025 /CNW/ – Unifor members at DHL Express Canada were locked out by their employer after midnight on June 8, after the workers refused to accept concessions put forth by the company. 'We will not stand by while DHL locks out our members across the country and threatens to use scabs in an attempt to pressure our members to take concessions. Our members deserve respect and a fair contract,' said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 'We expect DHL to abide by the law on the books, passed unanimously by Parliament, which will come fully into force later this month. A law that bans the use of replacement works in a legal dispute. It is reprehensible that this company thinks they can bust our members' right to fair and free collective bargaining by using scab labour.' Some concessions the company is pushing include change driver pay system resulting in a loss of money, driving 100 km. to get to their routes or pick up their freight with no compensation. Other concessions involve proposing language that will allow the company to refuse accommodation, laying off employees, and proposing reducing drivers' daily guarantee. The company has also rerouted pickups across the whole country while reducing pay for owner operators. Hours before the deadline, the employer added numerous new proposals and concessions. The union's bargaining priorities remain improving working conditions—including access to clean and secure washrooms—securing fair wages, addressing surveillance and automation issues and recognition and respect for workers. The company filed its intention to lock out workers on June 4 – four days before the deadline to reach an agreement. 'By imposing a lockout, DHL is choosing confrontation over negotiation,' said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. 'This is a serious decision that deprives dedicated workers of their livelihoods. But let's be clear: our members will not be intimidated. They are united, standing strong, and determined to obtain the respect and working conditions they deserve.' Unifor DHL members voted 97% for strike action if necessary last month. Unifor represents over 2,100 DHL Express Canada workers who as truck drivers, couriers, warehouse and clerical workers across Canada, at Locals 114 in British Columbia, 700 in Quebec, 755 in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, 4005 in Nova Scotia, 4457 in Ontario and members in DHL Alberta. Unifor's legal department sent a letter to DHL, cautioning them of hiring scabs –– as anti-scab legislation, which the union campaigned diligently for, is set to come in on June 20. The union firmly believes the timing of the lockout notice is tied to the incoming legislation. The German-based parcel delivery giant's annual profit is roughly $3.3 billion Euro ($4.6 billion CDN) and revenue from its significant and growing North American enterprise is worth approximately ($9.4 billion CDN). And yet, the employer is demanding changes and concessions to working conditions that will negatively affect the pay of Unifor DHL members. Customers in Canada will likely be affected if they use other couriers, including UPS and Loomis, because of integrated contracts with other freight companies. DHL Express Canada has 50,000 customers, including Temu, SHEIN, Lululemon and Siemens Canada. The labour dispute could also potentially cause major disruptions to the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, June 13 to 15, due to DHL's responsibility for transporting Formula One vehicles. Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Unifor members at DHL Express Canada locked out after refusing to accept concessions
TORONTO, June 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Unifor members at DHL Express Canada were locked out by their employer after midnight on June 8, after the workers refused to accept concessions put forth by the company. "We will not stand by while DHL locks out our members across the country and threatens to use scabs in an attempt to pressure our members to take concessions. Our members deserve respect and a fair contract," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We expect DHL to abide by the law on the books, passed unanimously by Parliament, which will come fully into force later this month. A law that bans the use of replacement works in a legal dispute. It is reprehensible that this company thinks they can bust our members' right to fair and free collective bargaining by using scab labour." Some concessions the company is pushing include change driver pay system resulting in a loss of money, driving 100 km. to get to their routes or pick up their freight with no compensation. Other concessions involve proposing language that will allow the company to refuse accommodation, laying off employees, and proposing reducing drivers' daily guarantee. The company has also rerouted pickups across the whole country while reducing pay for owner operators. Hours before the deadline, the employer added numerous new proposals and concessions. The union's bargaining priorities remain improving working conditions—including access to clean and secure washrooms—securing fair wages, addressing surveillance and automation issues and recognition and respect for workers. The company filed its intention to lock out workers on June 4 – four days before the deadline to reach an agreement. "By imposing a lockout, DHL is choosing confrontation over negotiation," said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. "This is a serious decision that deprives dedicated workers of their livelihoods. But let's be clear: our members will not be intimidated. They are united, standing strong, and determined to obtain the respect and working conditions they deserve." Unifor DHL members voted 97% for strike action if necessary last month. Unifor represents over 2,100 DHL Express Canada workers who as truck drivers, couriers, warehouse and clerical workers across Canada, at Locals 114 in British Columbia, 700 in Quebec, 755 in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, 4005 in Nova Scotia, 4457 in Ontario and members in DHL Alberta. Unifor's legal department sent a letter to DHL, cautioning them of hiring scabs –– as anti-scab legislation, which the union campaigned diligently for, is set to come in on June 20. The union firmly believes the timing of the lockout notice is tied to the incoming legislation. The German-based parcel delivery giant's annual profit is roughly $3.3 billion Euro ($4.6 billion CDN) and revenue from its significant and growing North American enterprise is worth approximately ($9.4 billion CDN). And yet, the employer is demanding changes and concessions to working conditions that will negatively affect the pay of Unifor DHL members. Customers in Canada will likely be affected if they use other couriers, including UPS and Loomis, because of integrated contracts with other freight companies. DHL Express Canada has 50,000 customers, including Temu, SHEIN, Lululemon and Siemens Canada. The labour dispute could also potentially cause major disruptions to the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, June 13 to 15, due to DHL's responsibility for transporting Formula One vehicles. Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
DHL Express Canada callously threatens to lock out Unifor members
TORONTO, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - On June 4, DHL Express Canada served Unifor with notice of its intention to lock out workers, even as negotiations continued – a callous move by a global courier giant that continues to post massive profits and growth. "This is the purest show of contempt and disrespect to our members. We won't be intimidated by DHL's pressure tactics," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "Our members deserve a fair contract. It's time this employer delivers respect to its workers." The company issued the notice to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, four days before the deadline to reach an agreement with the employer – on June 8, which was also the final day of scheduled bargaining. In response to the lockout notice, the union filed legal 72-hour strike notice on June 5. If a tentative agreement is not reached by Sunday, June 8, the company will be in a legal lockout position as of 12:01 a.m. EST, and the union will be in a legal strike position as of 11 a.m. EST. Strike action will follow a rolling notice, meaning members in different time zones will begin picket lines based on the Eastern Standard Time trigger. Unifor's bargaining priorities focus on improving working conditions—including access to clean and secure washrooms—securing fair wages, addressing surveillance and automation issues and recognition and respect for workers. The employer is demanding changes and concessions to working conditions that will negatively affect the pay of Unifor DHL members, meanwhile, the revenue of the German-based corporation's significant and growing North American enterprise last year topped $6 billion EUROs ($4.6 billion CDN) "This conflict has major repercussions for our members here in Quebec, who are proud, experienced workers providing a vital service," said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director. "Instead of recognizing their value, DHL is threatening their jobs and their livelihoods. Our members are united and will not be intimidated by this multinational giant." Unifor represents over 2,100 DHL Express Canada workers who as truck drivers, couriers, warehouse and clerical workers across Canada, at Locals 114 in British Columbia, 700 in Quebec, 755 in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, 4005 in Nova Scotia, 4457 in Ontario and members in DHL Alberta. Unifor DHL members voted 97% for strike action if necessary last month. The ripple from any disruptions will likely affect other couriers, including UPS and Loomis, because of integrated contracts with other freight companies. DHL Express Canada has 50,000 customers. The company has contracts with over two dozen international companies with locations here in Canada – some of the biggest names include Temu, SHEIN and Siemens Canada. The labour dispute could also potentially cause major disruptions to the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, which takes place June 13 to 15, due to DHL's responsibility for transporting equipment and cars for each team on the Formula One circuit. Contract negotiations have been ongoing since last year. The most recent contract expired on Dec. 31. Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DHL Express Canada callously threatens to lock out Unifor members
TORONTO, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - On June 4, DHL Express Canada served Unifor with notice of its intention to lock out workers, even as negotiations continued – a callous move by a global courier giant that continues to post massive profits and growth. "This is the purest show of contempt and disrespect to our members. We won't be intimidated by DHL's pressure tactics," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "Our members deserve a fair contract. It's time this employer delivers respect to its workers." The company issued the notice to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, four days before the deadline to reach an agreement with the employer – on June 8, which was also the final day of scheduled bargaining. In response to the lockout notice, the union filed legal 72-hour strike notice on June 5. If a tentative agreement is not reached by Sunday, June 8, the company will be in a legal lockout position as of 12:01 a.m. EST, and the union will be in a legal strike position as of 11 a.m. EST. Strike action will follow a rolling notice, meaning members in different time zones will begin picket lines based on the Eastern Standard Time trigger. Unifor's bargaining priorities focus on improving working conditions—including access to clean and secure washrooms—securing fair wages, addressing surveillance and automation issues and recognition and respect for workers. The employer is demanding changes and concessions to working conditions that will negatively affect the pay of Unifor DHL members, meanwhile, the revenue of the German-based corporation's significant and growing North American enterprise last year topped $6 billion EUROs ($4.6 billion CDN) "This conflict has major repercussions for our members here in Quebec, who are proud, experienced workers providing a vital service," said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director. "Instead of recognizing their value, DHL is threatening their jobs and their livelihoods. Our members are united and will not be intimidated by this multinational giant." Unifor represents over 2,100 DHL Express Canada workers who as truck drivers, couriers, warehouse and clerical workers across Canada, at Locals 114 in British Columbia, 700 in Quebec, 755 in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, 4005 in Nova Scotia, 4457 in Ontario and members in DHL Alberta. Unifor DHL members voted 97% for strike action if necessary last month. The ripple from any disruptions will likely affect other couriers, including UPS and Loomis, because of integrated contracts with other freight companies. DHL Express Canada has 50,000 customers. The company has contracts with over two dozen international companies with locations here in Canada – some of the biggest names include Temu, SHEIN and Siemens Canada. The labour dispute could also potentially cause major disruptions to the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, which takes place June 13 to 15, due to DHL's responsibility for transporting equipment and cars for each team on the Formula One circuit. Contract negotiations have been ongoing since last year. The most recent contract expired on Dec. 31. Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future. SOURCE Unifor View original content to download multimedia:
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Talks break off between Unifor and VIA Rail
MONTREAL, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Contract talks between Unifor and VIA Rail have broken off, setting the stage for a national rail dispute that threatens to disrupt passenger travel across the country later this month. "We didn't come to the table looking for a dispute—we came to get a deal," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "But VIA Rail's refusal to take our demands seriously has left us with no other choice. If they're not willing to fix what's broken, they're forcing this dispute onto workers and passengers alike." After another week of bargaining in Montreal, no tentative agreement was reached between VIA Rail and Unifor's Council 4000 and Local 100 bargaining committees. The union says the employer refused to back down from key concessions. "These negotiations were about fairness, respect, and stability for our members," said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. "We came ready to make a deal that addressed the real issues workers face every day. It's disappointing that the employer walked away from that opportunity." One of the most serious issues is VIA Rail's refusal to fix the crisis on the On-Board Services spare boards. Workers are facing chronic short hours and reduced pay due to the employer's mismanagement of the board system. Many are unable to earn a living wage and are falling behind on basic financial obligations. The federal conciliation period ended May 31. Under Canadian labour law, Unifor will be in a legal strike position as of 00:01 a.m. EST on June 22, 2025. Both parties return to the table on June 17 and bargaining will continue right up to the deadline. The union is prepared to find solutions—but if VIA Rail fails to deliver a fair deal, the union is ready for a national labour dispute. Council 4000 represents 1,800 VIA Rail employees who work in station services, headquarters, maintenance centres, and onboard trains. Local 100 represents 700 VIA Rail employees working as Diesel Engine Mechanics, Electricians, Railcar Technicians, and General Workers. Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future. SOURCE Unifor View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
