November 3, 2009: DHL Teamsters will soon be voting on a management-proposed mid-contract change which would include buy outs of Teamster to allow the hiring of low-wage drivers and dock workers.

Half of the full-time DHL Teamsters currently working would be offered $75,000 to sever ties with the company while other seniority Teamsters would be offered $25,000. Then 75% of the remaining currently working active seniority list would be guaranteed 40 hours per week at full pay rate.

The company would then be able to expand the use of part-timers, who start at $12 per hour on the dock and $14 for driving.

At this point no proposal in writing has been put to the members. Teamsters have a right to vote on any proposed contract change.

Click here for a copy of a management memo explaining the proposed deal.

Concerned DHL Teamsters have launched a campaign to oppose the changes to the contract. They see the re-opener as a DHL effort to eliminate good fulltime union jobs and reposition the company with reduced labor costs. Under the national contract, DHL cannot use part-time drivers until they have recalled all Teamsters on lay off.

Teamster activists at DHL plan to pressure the IBT and their local officers to oppose the buy outs and other concessions. Petitions are circulating opposing any changes to the contract.