Canada’s Delivery Network Strained: DHL Workers Strike Over Contract Dispute

The parcel delivery landscape in Canada is facing mounting pressure as more than 2,100 DHL Express Canada workers – represented by Unifor – officially began striking on Sunday, Jun 9, 2025. The action follows a lockout initiated by DHL amid prolonged contract negotiations, escalating tensions between the international logistics giant and one of Canada’s largest private-sector unions. 

What’s Behind the Strike?  

At the heart of the dispute are demands for better wages, improved working conditions, and opposition to changes that could reduce earnings for owner-operators. Unifor’s members span several provinces – including British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec – and include couriers, truck drivers, warehouse workers, and clerical staff. The most recent contract expired on December 31, 2024, and negotiations have dragged on since then with little resolution.  

The situation took a sharp turn last week when DHL issued a lockout notice during an ongoing negotiating session. In response, Unifor filed a 72-hour strike notice, which resulted in the walkout on June 9th. The union had already voted overwhelmingly – 97% in favor – to authorize strike action in May 2025. 

Implications for Customer and Businesses  

The strike could disrupt delivery services for several high-profile DHL clients in Canada, including Temu, Shien, Lululemon, and Siemens Canada. Unifor also flagged a potential impact on the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, scheduled for June 13-15, due to DHL’s tole in transporting Formula One equipment – logistics that require precise coordination and time-sensitive execution.  

In the face of the strike, DHL has activated contingency plans designed to keep the network running smoothly. While details of those plans haven’t been shared publicly, the company has indicated it expects to maintain service levels across its Canadian operations without major interruptions.  

Wider Ripple Effects  

The timing of the strike compounds existing stress within Canada’s parcel delivery sector. Canada Post is also facing labor challenges, including an ongoing overtime ban as workers push for a new contract. As a result, demand for private couriers like DHL, UPS, and FedEx has already increased – and further disruptions could ripple through both consumer and business logistics.  

Digitizing the Supply Chain to Weather Disruptions  

Events like the DHL strike highlight how vulnerable traditional supply chains can be to labor unrest and other disruptions. Digitizing your supply chain enables organizations to better weather these storms by providing real-time visibility, faster communication, and more flexible logistics management. Tools like electronic documentation (eBOL), predictive analytics, and integrated platforms help companies anticipate bottlenecks, quickly reroute shipments, and maintain service levels despite unexpected challenges.  

Aquatio specializes in helping businesses transform their supply chains through enhanced digital collaboration. By implementing smart software solutions that connect stakeholders and automate key processes, Aquatio empowers organizations to stay agile and resilient – turning disruption into opportunity.  

Looking Ahead  

As contract negotiations continue, the stakes are high. For DHL, it’s a test of its ability to uphold delivery commitments amid labor unrest. For Unifor, the strike is a pivotal moment to push for stronger protection and compensation in an industry that’s essential but often undervalued.  

Whatever the outcome, this labor action underscores the fragility and importance of Canada’s logistics backbone – and may well set the tone for future labor negotiations across the sector.