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DHL Spokesperson Says No Negotiation Deadline Has Been Set at CVG Facility

Union representatives are asking why DHL is dragging their feet on making a deal.

Dec 1, 2023 at 4:41 pm

Workers organizing to join the Teamsters union at DHL-CVG rally outside of the DHL hub in Hebron, Kentucky on April 14, 2023. Photo: DHL Workers United Facebook

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Tensions are high between workers and management at DHL-CVG, a large aircraft shipping hub in Hebron, Kentucky, where union organizers say employees are on the brink of a strike.

Teamsters, the union representing DHL-CVG employees, wrote on Facebook on Nov. 28 that "the clock is ticking for DHL to act and remedy its unfair labor practices" before employees walk off the job.

The Teamsters' announcement claimed DHL management said the company would leave the bargaining table by Dec. 8, but DHL told CityBeat on Nov. 30 that talks could extend into January.

"We remain committed to fair and productive negotiations with the Teamsters at the Cincinnati Hub, in line with the constructive relations and agreements we have with our labor partners at a local, national and international level," said DHL Express spokesperson Dan McGrath. "We have not set a deadline in the negotiations and have offered additional dates in January for renewed negotiations. We will continue to bargain in good faith through to December 7 and again in January."

CityBeat shared DHL's statement with Teamsters spokesperson Kara Deniz.

"There’s something missing here: Why is DHL talking about January – where are their negotiation dates for December? The Teamsters are ready and willing to meet at the table," Deniz said.

Workers voted to unionize in April, citing low pay for jobs loading and unloading nearly 400,000 pounds of cargo per day using equipment they described as dangerous and outdated.

Worker Strike Looms at DHL-CVG, Management Walks on Bargaining Talks: Employees voted to join the Teamsters union in April, citing low pay and dangerous working conditions.

In 2022, there were at least 22 workplace injuries at DHL-CVG that required transport to a hospital or emergency room, according to Kenton County Airport Board records. Injuries included broken, crushed and dislocated limbs. Records show one worker suffered a “degloving” of his arm, an injury where the skin and tissue get ripped away from the bone.

While addressing the negotiation deadline, DHL told CityBeat that safety is "a priority" for its employees.

"We believe that fostering a collaborative and respectful relationship with our employees and their representatives is key to our continued success and the excellent service we deliver to our customers," McGrath said. "At the same time, the safety and well-being of our workers is a priority for DHL Express at Cincinnati Hub and in our global operations."

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About The Author

Madeline Fening

Madeline Fening is CityBeat’s investigative news reporter. Proudly born and raised in Middletown, she attended Bowling Green State University before moving to Austin, Texas where she dabbled in documentary filmmaking, digital news and bartending. Madeline then moved to Cincinnati to work for WCPO 9 News as an...