DHL faces potential strike action from nearly 2,000 pilots

Almost 2,000 pilots from four of DHL’s North American carriers are being balloted on strike action, following a dispute over working conditions. The carriers are Atlas Air, Polar Air, ABX, and Southern Air.

The major point of contention is the rule that pilots can be on duty up to 28 hours without rest, which labour union Teamsters argues puts the health and safety of both pilots and passengers at risk.

DHL pilots also apparently earn less than UPS or FedEx pilots, while working longer hours, according to a Teamsters study.

Atlas Air is stating that the union has no right to strike no matter what the outcome of the strike vote, due to current contract stipulations relating to its merger with Southern Air.

Pilots at another of DHL’s carriers, Kalitta Air, already voted strongly in favour of a strike.

(Source: Air Cargo News)