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Job loss fears following DHL restructuring announcement
2 June 2008
Two US ITF affiliates are concerned that an agreement between DHL Express and UPS could be putting thousands of jobs at risk.
On 28 May it was announced that UPS would be working towards an agreement with DHL Express to provide the company with transport through the UPS air network. This would affect all DHL’s express, deferred and international package volume across the US. UPS would also provide air lift for DHL packages between the US, Canada and Mexico. The move is likely to impact on jobs in road transport and aviation.
The Teamster Union has begun an evaluation of the agreement and the potential impact on Teamster members at both DHL and UPS. The union is particularly concerned about the effect the restructuring announcement will have on almost 600 pilots at ABZ, the airline that currently deals with most of DHL’s air package volume. The union has committed to “stand ready to work with the community, shareholders, stakeholders, and others to minimise the damage and move forward.”
Meanwhile, the Air Line Pilots Association International, which represents crewmembers employed by Astar Air Cargo, is planning to investigate the decision-making process at DHL. Astar Air Cargo, which is 49 per cent-owned by DHL, carries approximately 50 per cent of cargo leaving Wilmington, Ohio, each night for DHL. Alpa is concerned that the process has led to “the absurd result of a company depending on its chief competitor for the most crucial aspects of its express operation.”
Less than three months ago Alpa and Astar agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement with job security commitments that were backed by DHL. Alpa has vowed to ensure that these are honoured by Astar and DHL.
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