Following a 12-day unfair labor practice strike and nationwide picket line extensions, 1,100 DHL ramp and tug workers at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) have ratified their first contract with the company by 98%. Strike readiness and coordination across locals is becoming the Teamster recipe for worker power.

The victory was won after DHL Teamsters from CVG extended their picket line across 15 cities on both coasts and in the Midwest, affecting 60% of the company’s domestic network. 

“The solidarity this union’s shown is outstanding,” said Brandi Dale, a DHL-CVG Teamster and bargaining committee member. “We had people all across the country standing with us.” 

Safety was a priority in negotiations, in addition to wages and benefits. The final tentative agreement will be presented to Local 100 members at CVG for a ratification vote soon.

“Corporations will run right over you if you don’t check them,” said DHL-CVG Teamster Brendan Taylor. “Unions are our best tool for fixing these problems.”

The ramp and tug workers at DHL-CVG voted to organize with the Teamsters in April. 

The union has filed numerous unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board during and since the organizing campaign, including for DHL’s retaliation against pro-union workers.