Woolworths Workers' Strike Enters 13th Day, Causing Widespread Grocery Shortages
Over 1,500 warehouse workers in Victoria and NSW demand better pay and conditions, while Woolworths faces mounting pressure to resolve disruptions before Christmas.
- The United Workers Union has led an indefinite strike at four Woolworths distribution centers since November 21, citing pay disparities and safety concerns tied to a performance tracking system.
- Woolworths’ new “Coaching and Productivity Framework” has been criticized by workers for creating unsafe working conditions by pressuring employees to meet strict productivity targets.
- The strike has resulted in significant grocery shortages, particularly in Victoria, with essential items like toilet paper, frozen goods, and dairy products running low in stores across multiple states.
- Woolworths attempted to reopen its Dandenong South distribution center, which accounts for 40% of the affected centers’ output, but union-led picket lines have blocked access to the site.
- Negotiations between Woolworths and the union are ongoing, with workers demanding a 25% immediate pay rise and the removal of the controversial performance system.
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