s.240 - Bargaining dispute

Bargaining dispute regarding the proposed DHL Express Australia QLD/NT Operations Enterprise Agreement - 2025

• [1] DHL Express (Australia) Pty Ltd (DHL) commenced negotiations with the Transport Workers' Union of Australia (TWU) on 19 February 2025 to replace the DHL Express Queensland & Northern Territory Enterprise Agreement 2022 (2022 Agreement). The Agreement covers employees in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns and Darwin.

• [2] The TWU applied to the Commission for assistance in reaching an agreement under s.240 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the Act). DHL and the TWU have engaged in numerous bargaining meetings. I have held two s.240 conferences with the parties on 2-3 October 2025 and, more recently, on 27 November and 28 November 2025.

• [3] The TWU put forward a number of proposals in advance of the conference. Following discussions between the parties and the Commission, DHL and the TWU have reached in-principle agreement on the proposal set out in Annexure A.

The proposal is one which addresses concerns of both the Union and the employer. The pay increase represents a 17.3% increase over three years, with an initial 11.3% increase on base with 3% fixed increases per annum from 1 July for the second and third year of the Agreement. I recommend that the employees vote yes to an Agreement which incorporates the proposals in Annexure A. I thank the bargaining representatives for working with me towards an Agreement and wish them well in finalising the Agreement before Christmas.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

The classifications listed below do not cover all classifications under the Agreement, but represent a majority of employees, and the main classifications discussed in bargaining.

(5.8% reallocated from target bonus into base and 5.5% increase on base)

Percentage increases for Year 2 and 3 will apply in the first full pay cycle following the 1st of July. Percentage increases in Year 2 and 3 will not be linked to CPI or the Annual Wage Review.

The Company has agreed to that the base salary increase will apply from the first full pay cycle after a yes vote. The parties are committed to holding a vote before Christmas.

$2,000.00 to be paid in the first full pay cycle after a yes vote.

Employees who commenced employment with DHL Express prior to 27 April 2019 and have consistently worked between 3:00 am and 5:00 am from Monday to Friday will continue to receive the 30% shift loading, which was previously paid in error as an overpayment in shift allowances.

Employees who have been receiving the Grandfathered 30% shift loading will receive an upfront payment representing the value of that allowance over twelve months, calculated using the applicable Year 1 base figure for this Agreement. The Grandfathered 30% shift loading will no longer apply.

1. Removal of additional 12.5% evening shift allowance

In addition to the provisions contained in the Road Transport and Distribution Award, an additional shift allowance will be payable to anyone finishing 10.00pm or later Monday to Friday.

Additional Shift Loading for finishing at 10.00pm or later

Employees who have been receiving the additional 12.5% shift loading will receive an upfront payment representing the value of that allowance over twelve months, calculated using the applicable Year 1 base figure for this Agreement. The additional 12.5% shift loading will no longer apply.

The Company commits to conducting individual discussions with employees affected by the removal of the Grandfathered clause and the additional 12.5% shift loading.

$3,350.00 gross annual target bonus, to be paid monthly. The monthly applicable target bonus would be $279.17.