Strike Action at DHL Package Centers as Verdi Calls for Workers' Support

Thu 30th Jan, 2025

Shipping delays are anticipated across various regions in Germany due to ongoing strike actions affecting DHL's logistics operations. The Verdi union has initiated warning strikes for the third consecutive day in a dispute over labor conditions and pay.

On Thursday, workers at select DHL package centers, including locations in cities such as Cologne, Krefeld, Herford, Lahr, Dresden, Leipzig, Ottendorf-Okrilla, Nohra, Magdeburg, and Osterweddingen, have been called to halt work. Despite these disruptions, a spokesperson for the company indicated that the impact on customers is expected to be minimal, as operational adjustments are in place to manage the situation. However, delays in the collection and delivery of packages in the affected areas are anticipated.

The central issues in the labor dispute include a demand from Verdi for a 7% wage increase and additional vacation days for approximately 170,000 employees covered by collective agreements at Deutsche Post. According to Verdi Vice Andrea Kocsis, these measures are essential for helping workers cope with rising living costs and increasing workloads. He emphasized that without significant wage increases, employees would struggle to manage the persistent inflation and high cost of living.

In response, Deutsche Post has characterized the union's demands as excessive and economically unfeasible, citing a decline in letter volumes due to digital communication and the significant investment requirements in the logistics sector. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for February 12, during which the company intends to present a new proposal.

Reflecting on the ongoing strikes, the spokesperson for Deutsche Post expressed confusion over the necessity of the three-day strike period, asserting that the reasons for limited wage flexibility had been communicated transparently. They reiterated that securing jobs during these challenging times should be a mutual priority for both the company and its employees.

Deutsche Post is part of the Bonn-based DHL Group, employing around 170,000 workers in Germany alone. During the initial two days of the strike, Verdi reported that approximately 13,000 employees participated, leading to the temporary halt of around four million letters and a significant number of packages.


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