Woolworths plans to take action to prevent striking workers from blocking their warehouses.

Retail giant Woolworths has taken action by filing an application with Fair Work to address ongoing issues caused by striking workers. As stock continues to dwindle across the country, the company is seeking orders from the workplace regulator to prevent members of the United Workers Union (UWU) from impeding access to distribution centers in Victoria and New South Wales.

According to Woolworths, the UWU's actions have violated the good faith bargaining requirements set forth by the Fair Work Act. The company's statement highlights a specific incident at the Melbourne south regional distribution center, where employees were unable to enter the premises due to the union's actions.

Despite the majority of team members expressing a desire to return to work and receive payment, the UWU failed to provide any assurance of safe passage. This has hindered the company's efforts to increase the supply of essential products such as nappies, toilet paper, and drinks to their stores in Victoria.

Woolworths has also raised concerns about the safety of their team members, stating that the union's actions have created an unsafe environment for those who showed up to work. They have assured that they will be working closely with the Victorian police to ensure the safety of their employees while attempting to operate the Melbourne south regional distribution center.

The application filed by Woolworths is yet to be listed for a hearing. In the meantime, the strike initiated by the UWU has now entered its 13th day, resulting in empty supermarket shelves right before the busy pre-Christmas period. The union members are demanding a significant increase in pay and better working conditions, citing unsuccessful negotiations over the past six months.

Their demands include a pay rise above inflation, with a 25% increase immediately and an additional 30% over the next two years. They are also calling for the removal of the productivity "framework," which requires employees to meet strict adherence to a speed-related metric known as pick rates.

As the situation continues to escalate, Woolworths urges the public to stay updated by downloading the 9News app. This will provide real-time notifications regarding the latest breaking news, sports, politics, and weather. The app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

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