Woolworths Resolves Strike With Wage Agreement, Faces $140 Million Loss

The 17-day strike at four distribution centers ends with an 11% wage increase for workers, but stock shortages persist as Christmas approaches.

Woolworths reached a deal with the United Workers Union, ending a 17-day strike involving over 1,500 workers at distribution centers in Victoria and New South Wales.
The new agreement includes an 11% wage increase over three years and addresses concerns about performance metrics.
The strike caused significant disruptions, leaving shelves bare in some stores and resulting in an estimated $140 million in lost sales and associated costs.
Woolworths has resumed operations at the affected distribution centers and is working to replenish stock levels, with over one million cartons processed in the last 48 hours.
The company anticipates further financial impacts heading into 2025 as it restores inventory ahead of the busy Christmas shopping period.