Delivery Workers Speak Out: DHL Employees in Israel Form Union to Demand Fairness

In a significant development, approximately 450 employees of DHL Israel have officially unionized under the Histadrut last week. The move comes as part of a growing trend of unionization among logistics and courier services in Israel and reflects broader demands for improved working conditions, job security, and employee rights in a rapidly expanding and high-pressure industry.

This step places DHL Israel alongside other major international logistics firms operating in Israel whose employees have opted for union representation. Notably, workers at UPS Israel previously unionized with the Histadrut and have since begun negotiating their own collective agreements.

DHL, a global logistics giant operating in over 220 countries, employs hundreds in Israel across a range of roles including couriers, drivers, logistics personnel, operational staff, and office workers. Despite DHL’s global reputation for operational excellence, according to the Histadrut’s Organising Division, the campaign was launched in response to employees’ collective desire to establish a legally binding collective agreement that would guarantee their rights and secure long-term employment protections.

The organizing effort, described by participants as swift and decisive, culminated in the Histadrut being formally recognized as the official representative body of DHL Israel employees.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the demand for home delivery and e-commerce, the role of delivery workers has become more essential—and more precarious—than ever.

Amichai Stinger, head of the Histadrut’s Organising Division, sent an official letter to DHL Israel’s management announcing the successful unionization and inviting company leadership to begin formal negotiations toward a first collective labor agreement.

The initial workers’ committee praised the speed and unity of the organizing drive. “After years of dedicated service, we are proud of our colleagues for expressing their faith in this process,” said a spokesperson. “The fact that so many joined the union within just a few hours shows how eager workers were for this moment. This is a powerful demonstration of solidarity and shared purpose.”

Once the collective bargaining with DHL management commences, arrangements will take place for an elected workers’ committee to be established.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the demand for home delivery and e-commerce, the role of delivery workers has become more essential—and more precarious—than ever. In Israel, the surge in platform-based courier services has set a new, often exploitative standard for employment, where flexibility for the employer often comes at the expense of the worker.

The unionization of DHL Israel workers highlights a critical moment for labor rights in the delivery sector, which has become a cornerstone of Israel’s platform economy. As app-based courier services and gig work increasingly dominate the market—often operating with minimal regulation and limited worker protections—traditional delivery employees are stepping forward to secure their rights through collective action. The Histadrut’s support of unionization efforts in this sector signals a growing recognition that all delivery workers, whether employed directly or through digital platforms, deserve stable conditions, fair pay, and job security.

The next step for DHL Israel’s workers and management will be entering negotiations to craft their first collective bargaining agreement. While the path ahead may be complex, both sides now have the opportunity to set a precedent for balanced labor relations in Israel’s evolving logistics sector.