Latest news with #DHLExpress
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
DHL Express Canada to suspend operations with 2,100 workers involved in strike, lockout
DHL Express Canada DHL-NE plans to shut down operations across the country this week amid a strike and lockout involving 2,100 truck drivers and other workers, adding to turmoil in the parcel market. With the two sides at an impasse, the company said it will halt thousands of daily deliveries starting Friday – the same day that federal legislation banning replacement workers takes full effect. DHL will stop receiving inbound packages to Canada from abroad on Tuesday at 9 p.m., DHL said in an e-mail. Spokeswoman Pamela Duque Rai pointed to stalled negotiations with Unifor and the legislation known as Bill C-58, 'which prohibits the use of replacement workers during industrial action,' she noted. On June 8, the German-owned carrier said it was rolling out a 'contingency plan' that allowed it to keep serving its more than 50,000 customers, which range from retailer Lululemon to e-commerce giants Shein and Temu. Duque Rai had said in an e-mail at the time that DHL did not expect 'significant disruptions' to its service. Unifor, which represents DHL truck drivers, couriers and warehouse and call centre employees, had warned against any steps to supplant unionized workers with temporary ones, with president Lana Payne saying the move would impose a chill on contract talks. Last Friday, Unifor's bargaining committee said it had met with DHL Express Canada CEO Geoff Walsh, who stressed the possibility of a halt the following week. 'We will not be intimidated by the company's threats to disrupt service or shut down operations,' the committee said in a June 13 bulletin to members. The upcoming pause adds to the labour tumult in the parcel sector, as Canada Post remains at loggerheads with 55,000 workers amid strained negotiations and an overtime ban imposed by the union last month. Canada is not the only country struggling with falling mail volumes – a key factor in the impasse between the two sides – and DHL is among those feeling the pinch. In March it announced plans to cut 8,000 jobs in Germany this year, marking the largest set of layoffs in its home market in decades. Back in Canada, Duque Rai sought to frame the union's proposals as unreasonable. 'While we are committed to fair compensation for our employees, our position is that Unifor's demands – a 22 per cent salary increase for hourly employees, as well as a 42 per cent salary increase for owner-operators – do not reflect the current economic landscape and would jeopardize our operational viability,' she said. Payne said DHL has been seeking concessions since negotiations kicked off nearly a year ago. She highlighted a push by the company to change the pay model for owner-operators – roughly 500 independent contractors drive for DHL and also have union membership – in a way she claimed would reduce their compensation, not boost it. 'What we've seen over many months of bargaining are what I would say is an attempt to divide workers in classifications, pit one group against another, pit one region against another,' Payne said in a phone interview on June 8. A group of employers expressed concerns Tuesday about the effect of legislation passed under the previous Liberal government to ban replacement workers in federally regulated workplaces, pointing to DHL as the latest example of potential disruption. 'Canadians should prepare for more frequent and prolonged work stoppages that can impact supply chains, critical infrastructure and the broader economy,' said Daniel Safayeni, CEO of Federally Regulated Employers – Transportation and Communications, in a statement. The group called for a more 'balanced labour relations framework.' In contrast, labour groups have decried federal intervention in labour disputes over the past year, including strikes by railworkers, B.C. dockworkers and WestJet mechanics. Unifor has said its bargaining priorities with DHL revolve around wages, working conditions and surveillance and automation in the workplace.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
DHL Express to suspend operations countrywide amid strike, lockout
An airplane stands in the hangar during the official launching ceremony of the Airbus A330-200 cargo airplane by the European Air Transport Leipzig GmbH (EAT) at the European DHL Express air freight hub in Schkeuditz near Leipzig, Germany, Friday, Oct. 12, 2018. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer)
Mint
4 days ago
- Business
- Mint
That one hack to get extra free time at work
In these times of instant deliveries, RS Subramanian has his task cut out. His focus has been on maintaining DHL Express' own international network, while leveraging robust domestic partnerships such as the one with India Post that allows them to serve remote areas. It explains how they've been able to service 750 cities and over 33,000 locations across the country. 'The emergence of e-commerce supported by digitalisation has introduced new business formats, trading platforms and multiple pathways to reach the end customer. There is a growing demand for customer interfaces to be more intuitive. Additionally, the nature and style of service is constantly evolving, with technology playing a significant role in this transformation. There is never a dull moment in logistics,' says Mumbai-based Subramanian, 59, Senior Vice President-South Asia, DHL Express. Besides ensuring timely deliveries, sustainability is at the heart of their operations. They have been continually working towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the usage of sustainable aviation fuels and electrifying their last-mile delivery fleet, while also actively involving the employees as part of sustainability programs. 'Our people are the foremost flag bearers of our sustainable programs and they realise that they can make a larger impact on the communities around us. Last year, our employees clocked over 6,000 hours on volunteering projects,' he says. Subramanian talks to Lounge about finding mentors around us and the importance of following a planned schedule. RS Subramanian, Senior Vice President-South Asia, DHL Express. Gone are the days when stereotypical mentors were seen as senior, old and wise. Today, with changing technology, lifestyles, customer expectations and employee aspirations, we find role models, opinion makers and subject matter experts all around us. Wise are those who remain adaptable to this reality - engaging across different organisational levels and age groups to gain inspiration, feedback and suggestions. I've witnessed middle-aged managers transform their health through fitness routines, young couriers offering valuable insights about the stock market and new joiners who consistently surprise us with their fresh perspectives on business or people-related challenges. A recent example is my daughter, who taught me a thing or two about muscle building, protein intake and weight training. The key to developing and mentoring teams is to be accessible. I have an open-door policy - our team can call or walk in anytime for a chat. We also provide more platforms for dialogue and conversations, as well as one-on-one sessions when needed. Coaching and the ability to give and receive feedback are essential competencies for all managers as they are crucial to continuous improvement. Currently, I manage to maintain a morning routine of completing at least 45 minutes of warm-up and yoga, along with a 30-minute walk or run, about four to five days a week. This is subject to disruptions caused by early morning flights, calls or late-night arrivals. So far, I have a success rate of about 60%! I try not to keep small items pending and instead finish transactional work on the go. I prefer fewer emails and opt for short calls or better yet, face-to-face interactions which allow me to manage a lot by moving around. My advice would be to make a planned schedule and stick to the calendar, which I've found leaves me with a lot of discretionary time at work. I usually don't carry work pressure home, even when I'm working from home. One positive work routine I have developed is embracing remote meetings. Although I was never comfortable with them in the past, they have now become the order of the day. An all-time favourite of mine is The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking, sketching, watching cricket, movies and keeping up with the news. However, spending time with my family takes priority and everything else follows that.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DHL steps up Middle East expansion with $570M in planned investments
Global logistics and parcel powerhouse DHL Group will invest more than $571 million on infrastructure, vehicles and product offerings in Gulf Arab states through 2030 , pushing for more business in a region experiencing significant trade growth, the company announced Wednesday. DHL Group, based in Bonn, Germany, said the investment, which aims to increase capacity and network efficiency, spans its express delivery, freight forwarding, contract logistics and e-commerce units in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. DHL Express will invest in hub and local facilities, as well as enhance airfreight service to improve service efficiency and delivery speed in the Gulf countries. DHL Global Forwarding plans to add diesel and electric trucks, open more offices and pursue joint ventures, such as the recent partnership with Etihad Rail to enhance cross-border cargo connectivity. DHL Supply Chain will expand warehousing, upgrade equipment and integrate advanced technology to improve operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Some of DHL's investment in the region began in 2024. And, earlier this year, DHL eCommerce acquired a minority stake in Saudi Arabian parcel carrier Ajex Logistics Services, giving it a foothold in the fast-growing, last-mile delivery sector April, DHL Group said it planned to invest $2.2 billion in healthcare logistics over five years. The healthcare and Middle East investments are part of DHL's strategic plan to concentrate investments in sectors and markets with high-growth potential. Multinational companies are expanding operations in the Gulf region as oil-rich states diversify their economies, which is also resulting in rising exports from local businesses. DHL Group said it sees growth opportunities in the energy sector – both traditional oil and gas as well as renewables and electrification – life sciences and healthcare, and e-commerce. It noted that Saudi Arabia is experiencing a strong inbound market for business-to-consumer shipments, especially high-end goods, driven by ongoing tourism initiatives and events. 'The region of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is rapidly emerging as a global logistics and innovation hub,'said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. 'Our investment reflects the region's increasing strategic importance in connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, and our commitment to supporting its transformation into a catalyst for regional and global trade. DHL Express is seeing dynamic growth and export potential in the region's e-commerce sector, for example, which is providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and smaller businesses to expand their offering to global markets.' Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric eCommerce expands operations to Saudi Arabia Express logistics providers bet big on healthcare business DHL eCommerce to merge with UK courier Evri The post DHL steps up Middle East expansion with $570M in planned investments appeared first on FreightWaves. Sign in to access your portfolio
Arabian Business
12-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
DHL plans $575mn investment in Middle East, the ‘hub of global trade'
DHL Group, a global logistics powerhouse, plans to invest more than EUR500 million (US$575 million) in the rapidly expanding markets of the Middle East, with a strategic focus on Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This investment will be made until the end of 2030, underscoring DHL's commitment to the region and its importance for the future of global trade. It's part of DHL Group's Strategy 2030, launched in 2024, and prioritises growth regions and geographic tailwinds generated by shifts in global trade. John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, commented: 'The region of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is rapidly emerging as a global logistics and innovation hub. 'Our investment reflects the region's increasing strategic importance in connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, and our commitment to supporting its transformation into a catalyst for regional and global trade. DHL Express is seeing dynamic growth and export potential in the region's e-commerce sector, for example, which is providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and smaller businesses to expand their offering to global markets.' DHL strengthens Middle East supply chains The investment spans all four DHL divisions – DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Supply Chain, and DHL eCommerce. It will significantly strengthen the region's logistics backbone by enhancing infrastructure, expanding networks and capacity, and elevating service capabilities. The company's divisions provide a broad portfolio of logistics and transportation services to customers in the Middle East, including express parcel delivery, air, ocean and overland freight, warehousing, fulfilment and distribution, customs brokerage and specialised operations for sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, e-commerce and battery logistics. The Middle East is emerging as a vital trade hub, facilitating commerce between Asia, Europe, and the US while serving as a gateway to Africa. The region is witnessing growth not only due to attracting investments from multinationals expanding their operations, but also because Middle East-based businesses are growing and increasing their exports. Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain, Europe, Middle East & Africa, added: 'DHL Supply Chain has actively expanded in Saudi Arabia and the UAE in recent years, recognising the positive economic development, the increasing maturity and sophistication of supply chain operations in the region and the growing demand for specialised, outsourced logistics support. 'With a strong focus on the energy sector, life sciences, healthcare, and technology, we are poised to take advantage of our contract logistics expertise to meet the unique needs of our customers and drive innovation in these critical areas.' For DHL Express, investments will be made in hub and gateway facilities, as well as enhancing aviation capacity to improve service efficiency and delivery speed. For DHL Global Forwarding, the company will expand its overall presence in the region, invest in its fleet – including electric trucks – and pursue joint venture initiatives such as the recent JV with Etihad Rail to enhance connectivity. DHL Supply Chain will expand it contract logistics offering in both the UAE and KSA, which includes increasing warehousing capacity, upgrading equipment, and integrating advanced technology to optimise operations. Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Middle East & Africa, remarked: 'This investment underscores our confidence in the Middle East's economic trajectory and our continued commitment to be ahead of the curve in digital capabilities and sustainable transportation for our customers. 'We also consistently aim to find entrepreneurial freight forwarding solutions that build supply chain resilience, keep their goods flowing and help them to uncover growth opportunities in a world that is characterised by uncertainty and volatility. By expanding our operations, we will be even better positioned to support our clients in navigating the complexities of international trade and logistics.' The Group added that it recognises the growing opportunities in the energy sector, encompassing traditional oil and gas as well as renewables and electrification. The company also sees potential in the life sciences and healthcare markets, alongside the burgeoning e-commerce landscape. The company is also committed to sustainability, investing in alternative fuel, and electric delivery vehicles, aviation fuels in air freight and biofuels for road and ocean freight, as well as solar energy and clean power for facilities. This commitment ensures that supply chains become more sustainable, and customers achieve their net zero ambitions.
