Some 200 workers from the United Workers Union (UWU) are picketing Woolworths' distribution centre in Dandenong South, Melbourne, as an industrial dispute over pay and conditions extends beyond 11 days.
Shortages of essentials
The action is part of a broader strike affecting four Woolworths distribution centres, causing shortages of essential items such as nappies, toilet paper and beverages across supermarkets in Victoria and New South Wales.
Some stores, including those in regional areas such as Albury, have reported empty shelves as a result.
Woolworths attempted to reopen the Dandenong South centre on Monday morning to alleviate supply chain issues, prompting union members to block entrances to the facility.
The company said that reopening the centre would improve product availability for customers and apologised for the inconvenience caused by the shortages.
The UWU, however, accused Woolworths of prioritising profits over worker safety, citing unresolved concerns about workplace practices.
‘Bad faith’ act by the retailer
The union described the move to reopen the centre as an act of bad faith, as it occurred ahead of scheduled negotiations with union representatives.
While Woolworths claims the majority of workers at the centre want to return to work, the UWU countered that the company's proposed agreement, endorsed by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA), is not relevant to the dispute.
The SDA reportedly represents fewer than 10 affected workers, compared to 1,500 UWU members currently on strike.
The union is seeking varied pay increases based on worker classifications, including an immediate 25% rise and further increases over the next two years.
Woolworths said these demands came during a period of cost-of-living pressures for customers, as the company aimed to keep groceries affordable.
Negotiations between Woolworths and the UWU are ongoing with the dispute highlighting broader tensions in the retail supply chain and workplace safety standards.