#United States #Washington #Teamsters #Labor Union #DHL Express

DHL Express Teamsters Vote to Strike

In a decisive move, thousands of Teamsters working for DHL Express have overwhelmingly voted, with 96% in favor, to authorize a strike unless the logistics giant successfully negotiates a fair contract by the looming deadline of March 31.

The union's message to DHL management is clear: every supplemental bargaining must conclude before finalizing a national agreement, and there will be no extensions to the current contract.

Bill Hamilton, the Director of the Teamsters Express Division, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that DHL must act promptly to fulfill the necessary negotiations and present a satisfactory contract proposal. He warned, "Our members will not work a day past the expiration of our current agreement. If DHL fails to deliver, Teamsters at the company are prepared to take action."

Currently, the DHL Teamsters National Master Agreement encompasses thousands of workers across 26 local unions spanning 16 states. As this existing agreement approaches its expiration, Teamsters are holding fast to their demands for an expedited conclusion of all supplemental negotiations and insist that the upcoming national contract elevates employment standards, enhances working conditions, and safeguards their hard-won benefits.

Voices of the Teamsters

Expressing a collective resolve, Patrick Hughes, a driver affiliated with Teamsters Local 2785 in San Francisco, remarked, "We take tremendous pride in the work we do every day and want to avoid a strike. But this overwhelming vote shows we are united and ready to do whatever it takes to secure a fair agreement."

The history of labor actions at DHL also underscores the seriousness of these negotiations. Just last year, over 1,100 Teamsters at DHL's global hub in Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport faced a strike due to the company’s unfair labor practices. Picket lines disrupted operations nationally during the high-demand holiday season, ultimately compelling DHL to address its unlawful actions and reach an acceptable agreement.

Rick Marquis, another driver at DHL and a member of Teamsters Local 25 in Boston, pointed out, "This wouldn’t be the first fight Teamsters have waged to win the contract they deserve. Just like our brothers and sisters at CVG proved in 2023, we are ready to stand up and win. DHL must give us a fair contract before March 31, or we will be on the picket line."

Union Representation and Next Steps

Founded over a century ago in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters boasts a membership that includes 1.3 million dedicated workers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. This significant vote serves as a warning to DHL Express about the power of collective action among its employees. With tensions mounting and a deadline fast approaching, all eyes will be on how the negotiations unfold in the coming weeks.

For more details about the Teamsters’ initiatives and updates on contract negotiations, visit Teamster.org and follow their social media channels on Twitter @Teamsters and Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.