In December the DHL group, one of the largest transport companies in Europe, is traditionally vrey active with the delivery of 50% more parcels than in any other month of the year.
Since December 9, following the appeal of the unions who complain about the “absence of mandatory annual negotiations”, the employees of the French branch of this german-based company have decided to stop their activity. Along with these wage demands, they denounce the cancellation of the profit-sharing bonus scheduled for 2024. “We are losing 3,000 euros,” explained a union delegate from the CFE-CGC.
Possible delays
According to the unions, this movement is very popular with 80% of employees on strike. A conflict that risks getting bogged down. For now, management has indicated that it will not follow up with a negotiation meeting before January 9th.
Obviously, this movement comes at the worst time, a few weeks before Christmas. According to the unions,every day more than 12,000 parcels accumulate in warehouses without being delivered or sent by plane.
The management wants to be reassuring even if it admits possible delays. To compensate for the lack of striking drivers, the company uses subcontractors and temporary workers. Though, deliveries and collections remain affected “by around 50%”, according to olivier Kurkdjian, leader of the CFE-CGC union.
“no, there are not thousands of parcels waiting,” assures Fatam Ziani, director of operations of DHL Express France on BFM, adding: “These are parcels that will be delivered even with a small delay and our services will be assured to our customers in the end.”
What are the potential consequences of the DHL strikes for holiday shoppers?
Interview: The impact of Strikes at DHL on Holiday Deliveries
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments at DHL. As we head into December, traditionally a peak season for parcel deliveries, the strikes in the French branch are raising concerns. Can you tell us what’s happening with DHL employees currently?
Expert: Certainly! Since december 9,the French branch of DHL has seen important strike action,with around 80% of employees backing the move. The unions have called for this strike due to the absence of mandatory annual negotiations and the cancellation of a profit-sharing bonus set for 2024.Employees argue that they stand to lose approximately 3,000 euros as a result.
editor: That’s a substantial amount, particularly during the holiday season. What does this strike mean for delivery operations, especially with Christmas around the corner?
Expert: It’s critical timing, indeed. DHL usually experiences a surge in deliveries, seeing an increase of 50% in parcel volumes during December. However, as of now, there are reports of over 12,000 parcels accumulating in warehouses daily. This delay is primarily due to the striking workers, and management has indicated that they won’t hold negotiation meetings until January 9. The logistical implications are severe, as customers expect timely delivery during this peak period.
Editor: How is DHL management addressing these challenges amidst the strike?
expert: DHL management has tried to reassure customers, stating that although there might be delays, they are working to mitigate these impacts by employing subcontractors and temporary workers to handle the deliveries. However, the situation is still affecting operational efficiency, with delays reported to be around 50%.
Editor: As an industry expert, what advice would you give to consumers who are relying on DHL for their holiday shipments?
Expert: It’s important for consumers to stay informed. If you’re expecting a delivery from DHL, be prepared for potential delays.I recommend checking tracking updates frequently and considering alternative delivery options whenever possible. Additionally, planning ahead and allowing for extra time when sending or receiving packages may help alleviate the stress of last-minute holiday deliveries.
Editor: Lastly, what do you foresee as the potential long-term implications of this strike on DHL and the logistics industry as a whole?
Expert: If unresolved, this conflict coudl set a precedent for labor relations within the logistics sector. A notable trend toward unionization and stronger worker demands may emerge,resulting in higher labor costs for companies. For customers,this volatility could lead to more frequent disruptions in services and potentially increased shipping prices as companies strive to comply with new labor standards. The stakes are high, and both labor and management will need to find common ground to preserve operational integrity, especially during critical periods like the holiday season.
Editor: Thank you for your insights! This situation will certainly be something to watch as it unfolds.
Expert: Thank you for having me!