Woolworths’ essential supply of grocery products will remain disrupted after the United Workers Union (UWU) blocked the safe return of employees.
On Monday, Woolworths Group said some workers were willing to return to the Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre (MSRDC) to replenish stock and for themselves to make money in the lead-up to Christmas.
While Woolworths’ shelves remain bare, workers were committed to returning and restocking essential items, including nappies, toilet paper and drinks.
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“The majority of our team at the Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre want to return to work and be paid again,” A Woolworths Group spokesperson said.
However, Woolworth Group said the UWU refused to assure safe passage for workers looking to return to the MSRDC after 11 days of industrial action.
The UWU blocked entry points to the centre with cars and protestors, “which created an unsafe environment for team members who had shown up to work.” The protestors remained there on Tuesday morning.
“Our customers are facing increasingly empty shelves, another union has endorsed our deal, and we are still at the negotiating table with the UWU,” the spokesperson said.
“As long as they continue to block access to our site, our customers will continue to face shortages on shelves in Victoria.
“We sincerely apologise for the ongoing inconvenience of grocery shortages as a result of industrial action and would like to thank our customers for their understanding and for treating our store teams with respect.”
Woolworths Group said it had contacted the Victoria Police to ensure the safety of those wishing to return.