On February 18, the Teamsters national negotiating committee and DHL began nine intense days of negotiations for the DHL National Master Agreement.

Significant progress was made on the local riders over the first couple days and some progress has been made on the outstanding national non-economic issues. The Teamsters national negotiating committee presented an economic package to the company on February 20.

“We’re making steady progress ensuring that members’ needs are well represented at the negotiating table but we’ll wait to see their counter-proposal on wages and benefits to see how far apart we really are,” said Brad Slawson Sr., chair of the Teamsters national negotiating committee. “Our goal is very simple: to reach the strongest possible contract for Teamsters. I’m confident that we will be successful.”

Once a tentative agreement is negotiated by the committee and DHL, it will be voted on by all Teamsters covered by the contract.

Negotiating Amid Rumors

Speculation and rumors concerning the future of DHL Express in the U.S. continue to circulate through the media. The Teamsters national negotiating committee is aware of the rumors but until concrete evidence of some change in direction is confirmed, the union will stay focused on the task at hand: securing a strong contract for Teamster members.

“There are many pressing issues for the company as well as our members,” Slawson said. “As a result, these are complex, difficult negotiations but we will get them done. I am confident that members will be protected by the strongest contract in the history of DHL.”

The Teamster bargaining committee will continue to update members as they work through this historic process.

Download the latest DHL national contract negotiations newsletter.