Workers at DHL U.S. Air Hub Strike Over Unfair Labor Practices
Workers Strike Amid Holiday Rush
More than 1,100 DHL Express workers at the main U.S. air hub have gone on strike to protest unfair labor practices and stalled contract talks during the busy holiday season.
Impact on Holiday Shipping
The strike poses a threat to package deliveries during the peak holiday season, affecting the shipping operations of companies like DHL, FedEx, and United Parcel Service (UPS).
Teamsters’ Intensifying Activity
The strike comes as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters increases organizing activity following the contract deal at UPS earlier this year.
Negotiations and Contingency Plans
The workers, who are responsible for loading and unloading DHL Express airplanes, have been negotiating their first contract with DHL since July. The company has enacted contingency plans to prevent disruptions in service, including the use of replacement staff and the redirection of flights and volume to other DHL locations.
Company and Union Responses
DHL Express stated that it is prepared to handle the strike and garner support at various pickup and delivery locations across the U.S. while accusing the Teamsters of pressuring the company to agree to “unreasonable” contract terms. The Teamsters, in turn, have filed numerous unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board and assert that the company has shown disrespect to its workers.
Final Negotiation Sessions
DHL Express affirmed its commitment to good-faith negotiations and offered further meeting dates to conclude the matter, despite the ongoing strike.
