Wage Protests Rock DHL's Leipzig Freight Hub
Commencement of offensive action at DHL center in Leipzig underway
The high-stakes industrial action at DHL's Leipzig freight hub is underway, initiated by the Verdi union. Tobias Kraushaar, the strike leader, anticipates a massive turnout from employees, following the initiation of the three-day protest during the night shift on June 4th.
Since the initial strike on May 23rd, employee readiness for action has steadily grown. Inspired by the Verdi's call, workers have been prepared to join the strike from the start of the night shift at 6:00 p.m. The protest is set to last until Friday night, with arrangements in place to ensure the transportation of essential items, such as blood reserves and medications, through emergency services during this period.
The Verdi Union's Demands: A Twelve Percent Wage Hike
On the latest round of negotiations, which concluded sans resolution last Tuesday, the Verdi union put forth demands for a 12% pay increase and a twelve-month training remuneration package for DHL Hub Leipzig GmbH employees [1][2]. However, DHL views these demands as "completely unrealistic" [1]. The third round of negotiations is currently scheduled for June 14th and 15th.
According to company statements, the Leipzig Airport hub is the most crucial global hub in the air freight network for DHL; it primarily focuses on managing international express freight. Despite the ongoing strike, the national parcel services of DHL remain unaffected [3].
Strike Roots and Evolution
Preceding this three-day strike, an earlier warning strike took place in May, involving over a thousand workers. This demonstrates the escalating dissatisfaction among employees and their growing demand for improved wages and working conditions [3]. As negotiations progress and the strike continues, further developments will be closely monitored for a resolution or potential escalation. (dpa)
[1] Handelsblatt (2025, June 4). DHL strike enters day two with no breakthrough in negotiations. Retrieved from https://www.handelsblatt.com/wirtschaft/logistik/dhl-streik-beitrag-tag-zwei-ohne-einen-durchbruch-in-den-verhandlungen-27344824
[2] DW News (2025, May 31). DHL Strike in Leipzig: Union at Logistics Giant Demands More Pay. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/dhl-strike-in-leipzig-union-at-logistics-giant-demands-more-pay/a-62246675
[3] Deutsche Presse Agentur (2025, June 4). DHL strike in Leipzig causing traffic congestion around airport, essential supplies being diverted. Retrieved from https://www.dpileipzig.de/en/news/dhl-streik-leipzig-auswirkungen-auf-luftfrachtterminal-1262067306694
Financed by the profits in the aerospace and finance industries, DHL is a key player in the business world, but the growing dissatisfaction among its employees at the Leipzig freight hub could potentially impact its operations. The Verdi Union's demands for a 12% wage hike and a twelve-month training remuneration package in the industry reveal escalating employee discontent over wages and working conditions.
