DHL negotiating to re-structure work force in Germany

DHL is presently in negotiations with labour organizations in Germany over the future structure of its work force, and in particular the number of sub-contractors it is able to use as couriers. From July 1stwhen its previous agreement with trade unions came to an end, it has had the potential to transfer an increased number of directly employed courier positions to owner-drivers, a move which would significantly reduce costs. It is believed that up to a 1,000 driving jobs could be affected. The company is now in negotiations to determine the extent to which the existing structure will be changed.

Despite reports that fears over sub-contracting have subsequently led labour organizations to withdraw from wider discussions with the company over the implementation of the STAR integration strategy, a DHL spokesman has stated categorically that this is not the case.

The out-sourcing of courier positions to owner drivers would provide DHL with much greater flexibility and reduce the increasing burden of employee legislation. UK’s Royal Mail subsidiary Parcelforce has embarked on a similar course over the past two years, and for many express companies this is normal working practice. However such a move is obviously highly sensitive, especially given that it is in DHL’s best interest to keep labour organizations working collaboratively on the re-structuring of the company.

In other news, despite it being increasingly unlikely that DHL’s parent company Deutsche Post will take a stake in neighbouring Austrian Post, it has been speculated that the two postal operators will enter into a partnership for parcels distribution. At present, Austrian Post works with DPD, owned by rival French La Poste. A full integration of the Austrian and German post offices has been deemed as politically unacceptable.