Woolworths’ Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre (MSRDC) has reopened after the company’s new enterprise agreement offers were endorsed by the United Workers Union (UWU) at four distribution centres across Victoria and New South Wales.
The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) had endorsed the offer at MSRDC.
The Melbourne Liquor Distribution Centre, Wodonga Regional Distribution Centre and Erskine Park Distribution Centre are also expected to re-open soon, and all four sites will be stood back up to full capacity as soon as possible.
All four sites have been subject to indefinite strike action since 21 November which has impacted the supply of essential grocery products to Woolworths customers across Victoria, ACT and parts of NSW.
According to Woolworths Group, the two weeks of industrial action cost the company an estimated $140 million.
“We are pleased to have endorsed offers for new terms and conditions and a competitive wage for our team at our four Distribution Centres that have been subject to indefinite industrial action over recent weeks,” said Woolworths Group CEO, Amanda Bardwell.
“With just over two weeks to go until Christmas, we’re now focused on getting products out of the Distribution Centres and restocking the empty shelves customers have experienced in the past fortnight.”
Bardwell said that turning back ‘on’ such a large part of the company’s supply chain will mean it will take some time for Woolworth stores to look their best.
However, she said the company will be “ramping up as much as we can” to get products to the stores where they’re needed most.
Bardell also took the time to apologise to customers for the inconvenience.
“We would once again like to apologise to our customers,” she said.
“We know how frustrating it has been to shop in store and online with us in recent weeks in Victoria, the ACT and parts of NSW.
“We thank all of them sincerely for their understanding and patience.”
Bardwell also extended her gratitude to the teams across Woolworths Group which have worked tirelessly to minimise the disruption as much as possible.
“In particular we thank our teams in unaffected distribution centres who have helped maintain levels of supply while the four sites were closed,” she said.
“We also thank our store teams, who are at the heart of our business and have done their very best for our customers in very difficult circumstances.”
In other news, DHL Supply Chain Australia has announced the groundbreaking of its state-of-the-art Transport Hub in Derrimut, Victoria.
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