📦 DHL Canada Labor Negotiation Breakdown (June 12, 2025)

As of June 12, 2025, labor talks between DHL Express and the Canadian union Unifor have failed to reach an agreement. DHL has locked out approximately 2,100 employees, triggering a synchronized strike by Unifor. The situation has escalated into a national logistics crisis.

DHL has proposed several improvements after eight months of negotiations, including:

• 15% wage increase over five years to boost income levels.
• Additional premiums for select positions.
• Higher pension matching for stronger retirement benefits.
• Expanded union representation rights in decision-making.

Unifor rejected the offer, citing the removal of route pay for distances under 62 miles and increased layoff flexibility. They argue these measures would significantly harm drivers and undermine job security.

The use of replacement workers by DHL has become a flashpoint. The company’s decision to deploy temporary staff sparked strong backlash, culminating in police escorting replacements into the Brampton warehouse amid protests.

⚠️ Major Delivery Disruptions

• Domestic deliveries across Canada delayed by 2–3 days.
• Time-Definite International (TDI) dangerous goods shipments suspended.
• Use of replacement labor has triggered legal and public controversy.

📊 Industry & Brand Impacts

• Platforms like Temu, Shein, and local brands like Lululemon are reporting severe delays and fulfillment backlogs.
• Pharmaceutical and chemical supply chains are affected by the suspension of dangerous goods transport.
• Simultaneous tension at Canada Post compounds nationwide logistics uncertainty.

🚚 How Darwynn Fulfillment Keeps You Moving

• All-in-one logistics solutions including warehousing, order fulfillment, packing, shipping, returns, and FBA prep.
• Customizable workflows for B2B and B2C operations across industries.
• Nationwide warehouse presence enables regional distribution and faster delivery.
• No inbound fees and free processing of standardized packaging—transparent pricing with lower total cost.
• Integrated with Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, eBay, and more for automated order sync and fast fulfillment.
• In-house last-mile network with real-time tracking and evening/weekend delivery options.
• Value-added services like kitting, labeling, and reverse logistics ensure business continuity during disruptions.

✅ Strategic Recommendations

1. Shift critical inventory to Darwynn warehouses to avoid strike-affected zones.
2. Enable smart multi-carrier routing to automatically redirect orders.
3. Proactively inform customers about potential delivery delays.
4. Monitor the implementation of Canada’s anti-replacement-worker law effective June 20.

📞 Need Emergency Fulfillment Support?

Darwynn Fulfillment is ready to serve as your trusted logistics partner during this crisis. Protect your shipments with scalable, reliable, and efficient fulfillment today.

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