OTTAWA, Dec. 27, 2013 /CNW/ -The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today congratulated DHL Expressand Unifor on reaching collective agreements for the five Unifor locals.

"I am pleased that DHL Express and Uniforhave worked co-operatively to achieve the new agreements," said Minister Leitch. "Both parties remained committed to the negotiation process, thus avoiding a work stoppage, and ensuring uninterrupted delivery services of parcels across the country."

DHL Express and Unifor reached new collective agreements with the assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Unifor covers approximately 580 owner-operators and hourly DHL employees working in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. The parties' previous collective agreements expired on March 31, 2013.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service provides dispute resolution and prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code.

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada