The Teamsters National Negotiating Committee has reached a strong tentative agreement with DHL. The deal averts a national strike that would have involved thousands of workers across 26 locals across the country.
“Our members at DHL held management’s feet to the fire and demanded a contract that recognizes the hard work they perform every day,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “This agreement sets a new benchmark at the company and proves once again that no one fights harder for workers in the delivery and logistics industry than the Teamsters Union. With our members ready to take action, we secure real gains and force corporations to respect the people who make their profits possible.”
The new four-year agreement includes a 20 percent wage increase, higher health and welfare contributions, and job protections. In addition it establishes safeguards against AI-driven routing systems that undermine seniority and prohibits the use of autonomous vehicles that threaten Teamsters jobs.
“I’ve worked at DHL for 26 years, and this is by far the best contract we’ve ever negotiated,” said Eric Camarena, a DHL dockworker and Teamsters Local 986 shop steward. “I’m proud to have been part of this negotiating committee and of what we achieved together. We stood united and demanded what we’re worth.”
The DHL Teamsters National Master Agreement protects thousands of workers nationwide and was set to expire on March 31st. Teamsters at DHL had voted to authorize a strike if it was necessary.
“This contract is the result of rank-and-file power and a clear reminder to DHL that we are always ready to strike, if necessary,” said Bill Hamilton, Director of the Teamsters Express Division. “Our members were united and forced DHL to deliver real gains. The agreement protects jobs, raises standards, and puts DHL Teamsters in a stronger position for the future.”
DHL Teamsters will have the opportunity to vote on the agreement in the coming weeks.
