Road

DURHAM, Ont.—Unifor members at Durham Region Transit (DRT) have reached a tentative agreement with Durham Region on June 6, averting potential strike action.

Details of the agreement will not be disclosed until a ratification meeting is held, which will take place in the coming days.

DRT serves more than 14 million riders annually across Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge, and Whitby.

Dear members,

We want to keep our members up-to-date as developments unfold.

DHL Express Canada issued a lockout notice to the union yesterday, June 4, 2025 — four days before the deadline to reach a deal.

This callous move was filed with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service while negotiations were still underway.

We understand this news is concerning. Please know we’re here for you every step of the way.

TORONTO—On June 4, DHL Express Canada served Unifor with notice of its intention to lock out workers, even as negotiations continued – a callous move by a global courier giant that continues to post massive profits and growth.

“This is the purest show of contempt and disrespect to our members. We won’t be intimidated by DHL’s pressure tactics,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“Our members deserve a fair contract. It’s time this employer delivers respect to its workers.”

DURHAM, Ont.—Unifor is warning communities in Durham Region of potential strike action by Durham Region Transit (DRT) workers that will interrupt service in eight communities, as a 12:01 a.m. June 7 deadline looms.

“We stand with our transit members as they fight for what is fair and just,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Unifor Atlantic Jennifer Murray brought the union’s advocacy to the forefront during the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) warehousing meeting in Brussels, Belgium this week.

OSHAWA, ONT.—Unifor members working at Durham Region Transit voted 98% on May 21 for strike action if they cannot reach an agreement with the region by midnight on June 6.

“The region has a responsibility to invest in public transit and in the workers who uphold it, especially as the community continues to grow,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

If the two sides cannot negotiate a new contract, Unifor members will be in a legal strike position on Sat., June 7 at 12:01 a.m.

This vote was taken following offers deemed "insufficient" by the union. Negotiation committees from all provinces held meetings with members and gathered a strong strike vote from DHL Express members across the country.

We represent roughly 2,500 unionized employees of DHL Express nationwide. Unifor began negotiations with DHL Express Canada over six months ago, but to date, the union is still awaiting a concrete response to more than half of its demands, particularly regarding wage conditions.

TORONTO—Unifor members at DHL Express Canada locations across the country voted 97% in favour of strike action on May 10. 

“We will fully support our members as they stand strong and fight for a fair contract,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

“This is yet another multinational corporation putting billions of dollars of profits first, while leaving its employees way behind.”

Striking Transdev workers rallied outside BC Transit’s headquarters in Victoria on April 15 to send a strong message to the employer: access to washrooms (and reasonable break times to use them) is a fundamental human right.

Unifor members from Locals 114 and 333-BC went on strike on February 8 after Transdev refused to address providing dedicated washroom access to its bus drivers. Transit members, their locals, Unifor leadership and supporters attended the rally.