Unifor started negotiations with DHL Express Canada, representing over 2,000 members employed at the courier’s locations nationwide. The union, Canada’s largest in the private sector, is advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and respect for its members, Unifor national president Lana Payne said in a news release.

The current collective agreement with DHL Express Canada is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2024. The next bargaining meeting has not been scheduled.

The members, represented by Unifor locals in British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Alberta, work in various roles including truck owner-operators, clerical positions, warehouse staff, and drivers.

“Owner-operators want to be able to focus on getting packages from point A to B without the stress of worrying about their routes getting cut and being able to meet the rising cost of living,” Payne said in the release.

“Our members have ensured packages arrive on time in the face of a management squeezing more from our members, increased automation and surveillance, and using inflation to drive their own profits,” added Unifor national secretary-treasurer Len Poirier. “It is time for DHL Express Canada to recognize our members’ value and deliver improved working conditions and fair wages.”

In August, Unifor backed the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Safe Rates campaign, which calls for fair pay for drivers and reasonable work hours to ensure safety. Unifor members held solidarity rallies at DHL locations across Canada in support of the campaign.