AUSTRALIA | Woolworths Group will re-open its Primary Connect Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre (MSRDC).
The Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre has been the most significant site subject to indefinite industrial action across four Primary Connect Distribution Centres (three in Victoria and one in NSW) and one partner site (Lineage).
As a result of ongoing industrial action at those sites, several Woolworths stores in Victoria, ACT and NSW have been experiencing limited stock flow on some lines.
Resuming operations at MSRDC will improve food and essential grocery item availability for customers across Woolworths Victorian supermarkets.
The opening was announced after contacting almost three-quarters of the site's team. A majority (72 percent) of those contacted indicated they wanted to return to work and be paid in the lead-up to Christmas. This followed 11 days of industrial action led by the United Workers Union (UWU).
The Shop, Distributive, and Allied Employees Association (SDA) has endorsed an offer from Woolworths Group that was presented. Woolworths Group remained open to discussions with the UWU to reach an agreement with all parties and get team members their increased pay by Christmas.
In reaching an endorsed offer with the SDA, Woolworths Group reached an agreement on 16 points that had been subject to negotiation. The endorsed offer contained competitive pay above industry standards, local market rates, inflation, and approximately 40 percent above the Storage Services Award.
Woolworths Group has engaged constructively in negotiations with the UWU but has not seen material engagement in securing a deal.
The UWU has asked for an immediate pay increase of over 25 percent, with wage increases of 15 percent in years two and three, materially above inflation, at a time when Woolworths has been actively working to keep food and groceries affordable for its customers who have been facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
A Woolworths spokesperson said they knew there had been shortages on shelves in some Woolworths stores, which was frustrating for customers.
They have been working tirelessly to reopen the Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre and increase the number of essential grocery items on shelves for Victorian customers.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and would like to thank our customers for their understanding and treating our teams with respect,” added the spokesperson.
“We continue to seek to negotiate with the United Workers Union and have requested that they allow safe passage for our team wishing to return to work and for vehicles tomorrow at MSRDC. This will ensure we can operate the site safely and supply much-needed essential food and grocery products to our Victorian customers and communities.”
