Woolworths shelves stripped bare across Australia as distribution workers strike

Woolworths shelves have been stripped bare in three states, as distribution workers go on strike.

Woolworths shelves have been stripped bare across the eastern states due to a distribution strike.

Stores in New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT have been impacted by the move, with the union saying the situation is only going to get worse.

Popular products such rice, pasta, cereals, soft drinks, frozen goods, meat and bread are the most absent from supermarket shelves, United Workers Union director Dario Mujkic told 7NEWS.

Customers have been left frustrated. Picture: Facebook

“Temporary supply interruption” signs have been stuck onto the bare Woolworths shelves where missing products are usually stocked.

“We’re currently experiencing supply issues as a result of industrial action at our Distribution Centres. We understand this is frustrating,” the signs read.

“We are working hard to resolve this and restock as quickly as possible. Thanks for your patience.”

More than 1500 workers are on strike, abandoning four distribution centres after six months of failed negotiations.

Earlier this week, at the Laverton North distribution centre in Melbourne’s western suburbs, dozens of strikers stood in high-vis vests joined by Mujkic and other union leaders.

Many popular products cannot be found in some stores. Picture: Facebook

“The empty shelves will get worse while these guys are not at work,” Mujkic told 7NEWS.

“They’re resolved to stay out here as long as it takes.

“Woolworths is a pretty big company that’s used to getting its own way, so sometimes it takes a bit of pressure to move them.”

Workers are demanding a wage increase that is higher than inflation and for the company to ease its productivity requirements, which the union says are unreasonable.

“A system that demands 100 per cent productivity 100 per cent of the time (from) every single person is inhumane,” Mujkic added.

A Woolworths spokesperson told news.com.au that the company is trying their best to minimise the impact on customers and were working hard to resolve the dispute.

Woolworths says they are working on a solution. Picture: Facebook

“Some stores in Victoria and New South Wales are experiencing limited stock flow on some lines due to industrial action in four of our distribution centres,” a Woolworths spokesperson said in a statement.

“We understand this is frustrating for our customers and thank them for their patience and treating our store teams with respect.

“All stores are still receiving regular deliveries of stock, in some cases at a reduced frequency.

“Not all stores are impacted, and the degree of stock flow challenge varies from store to store.

Many frozen items have not been stocked. Picture: Facebook

“We have extensive contingency plans in place to minimise any ongoing impact to customers, ensuring regular deliveries to stores utilising the other 20 DCs and 8,000 team members in our network.

“We are working hard to resolve this dispute. We value our team and are deeply committed to reaching an agreement as quickly as possible so they can receive the benefit of their new pay rates before Christmas.

“We have already put forward several offers with competitive pay that is above industry standards, above local market rates, above inflation, and well above the Award.”