Woolworths seeks help from Fair Work to resolve worker blockade
Supermarket giant Woolworths has requested the Fair Work Commission to intervene and prevent warehouse workers from blocking their distribution centers.
Members of the United Workers Union are currently blocking all entrances to a distribution center in suburban Melbourne and three other sites in pursuit of improved conditions and pay.
Although plans to bring in staff on Monday did not materialize, picketers at the Dandenong South site successfully deterred logistics trucks from entering.
On Tuesday, Woolworths Group filed an urgent application with the Fair Work Commission.
According to a statement by Woolworths on Tuesday morning, “The application comes after the UWU refused to provide any assurance of safe passage for team members attempting to return to work at our Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre (MSRDC) yesterday and this morning.”
The application to Fair Work alleges a breach of the Good Faith Bargaining requirements in the Fair Work Act.
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The matter has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.
Woolworths states that the majority of staff at the Dandenong South site are not union members and are eager to return to work and receive payment.
The supermarket giant intends to attempt to reopen the distribution center today, following guidance from Victoria Police on safety measures.
The strike has led to bare shelves in supermarkets across Victoria, reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One store on Collingwood’s Smith Street had its toilet paper aisle emptied, as well as significant portions of its bread and fridge sections.
Customers ordering grocery deliveries are advised to allow substitutions to ensure they receive the desired products.
The decision to involve Fair Work follows renewed negotiations between the company and the union on Monday.
United Workers Union National Secretary Tim Kennedy expressed hope for a resolution, emphasizing the importance of ensuring worker safety.
Workers are protesting against what they deem as unrealistic performance expectations leading to frequent injuries, and are demanding better wages and equitable pay across different work sites.
In late November, Woolworths assured that all stores continued to receive regular stock deliveries, albeit some receiving goods less frequently than scheduled.
While the strike has yet to impact Victorian farmers, certain items such as nappies, toilet paper, and drinks have been affected.
