Picket Lines Block Melbourne Distribution Centre
Woolworths shoppers continue to face empty shelves as striking workers block the supermarket’s Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre.
Despite a Fair Work Commission ruling prohibiting blockades, a picket line formed at the Dandenong South centre on Saturday morning. The blockade prevented operations from resuming at the critical distribution hub.
Ten individuals formed a human barricade, blocking a coach filled with high-visibility-vested individuals attempting to enter. The coach departed after the confrontation.
Support from Other Union Members
United Workers Union (UWU) members did not join the morning’s blockade. Instead, supporters from other unions formed the human barricade.
The picketers also denied entry to a Veolia rubbish truck at around 10am. This ongoing blockade has worsened stock shortages across Woolworths stores in affected regions.
Customers Face Empty Shelves
Many customers have noticed significant shortages in Woolworths stores, with images of empty aisles circulating online. One shopper shared a photo of a nearly empty cleaning products aisle, captioning it:
“Nothing is in stock. I’ve never left empty-handed from a store, even during the troubles of 2020-2022.”
The strike, which has lasted for two weeks, has disrupted operations in three Victorian distribution centres and one in New South Wales.
Woolworths confirmed that fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, and meat remain unaffected. However, other stock is arriving at stores at a reduced rate.
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Union Demands and Blockade Challenges
The UWU is demanding a 25% immediate wage increase and a further 30% over two years. They also seek the removal of the “Framework” system, which they argue forces employees to work unreasonably.
Woolworths has sought relief from the Fair Work Commission to end the physical blockades and resume normal stock flows.
Social Media Reactions to Shortages
Surprisingly, many Australians have supported the striking workers. Comments on social media include:
- “Good. Tell them to treat their workers like humans.”
- “Let the shelves be empty as long as it takes.”
- “Vote with your wallet, support your worker.”
Others acknowledge the inconvenience but stress the importance of fair treatment for workers.
Woolworths Responds to Customers
A Woolworths spokesperson apologised to customers for the stock shortages and thanked them for their patience.
“Stores in Victoria, southern New South Wales, and the ACT are experiencing limited stock flow on some lines due to industrial action in four of our distribution centres,” the spokesperson said.
“We appreciate the patience of our customers and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience. All stores are still receiving regular deliveries of stock, though at a reduced frequency. The degree of stock flow challenge varies from store to store.”
Woolworths reassured customers that they are making every effort to resolve the dispute quickly.
Efforts to Resolve the Dispute
Woolworths emphasised its commitment to resolving the dispute quickly.
“We have already put forward several offers with competitive pay that is above industry standards, above local market rates, above inflation, and well above the Award,” the spokesperson said.
The supermarket hopes to reach an agreement before Christmas, ensuring employees can benefit from new pay rates.
Stock Deliveries from Other Centres
Woolworths has mobilised its 20 other distribution centres and 8,000 team members to maintain stock flow. However, the shortages persist in several stores, frustrating many shoppers.
Future Uncertain for Shoppers and Workers
The strike and blockades show no immediate signs of resolution, leaving shoppers and workers in limbo. As the holiday season approaches, Woolworths is under pressure to meet customer demand and ensure fair treatment of workers.
The supermarket’s efforts to resolve the strike will determine whether shelves are restocked in time for Christmas. Until then, customers in the affected areas must continue to adapt to the shortages and disrupted shopping experiences.
