Dan Murphy is grappling with stock shortages as strikes at Woolworths destruction centers disrupt alcohol supplies just weeks before Christmas.
The industrial action, led by the United Workers Union (UWU), has hit distribution hubs in Victoria and southern NSW, which service stores like Dan Murphy’s and BWS.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:
Some Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores in Victoria and southern NSW, are seeing delayed deliveries, leaving shelves spare just weeks before the holiday season.
Dan Murphy’s, like other liquor outlets, relies on Woolworths’ distribution network, even though Woolworths sold its final stake in Endeavour Group in 2022.
A spokesperson from Endeavour Group said: “We are actively working to replenish those products and are committed to ensuring our customers have access to our wide range of products and quality service during this busy time.”
Woolworths shoppers are also facing empty shelves at four major distribution centers that drag into a second week.
Workers are demanding a 25 per cent pay rise now and another 30 per cent over the next two years.
They’re also pushing for changes to Woolworths’ “Framework,” which they say enforces unsafe working conditions by setting strict productivity targets.
Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell has apologised to customers but says the demands are unrealistic.
“We’re working on it, day and night … to try and get a breakthrough so our team can get back to work at those distribution centres,” she said.
Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news and deep dives on topics affecting you, all in under 20 minutes.