Woolworths are really trying to squeeze productivity out of its DCs snd Stores, much more so in recent years vs a decade ago. Thatâs due to slowing margin and earnings growth in the market, so most Management will look for productivity gains. I recall stores have a new rostering system called RT3 which is productivity based, by all reports itâs an disaster, and they are going down that path at with the DCs it seems when it comes to picking. I exited all my Woolworths shares last year, just seemed like the place was about to go backwards.
I really think they need to be mindful of the safety factor as called out by the union. They have had a few fatalities in recent times, profits before safety certainly comes to mind.
Woolworths said negotiations with the UWU remain unresolved.
It said workers are demanding pay increases âmaterially above inflationâ at a time when customers are facing cost of living pressures.
In response, UWU national secretary Tim Kennedy said Woolworths could end the strike now if they wanted.
Woolworths today lodged an application with Fair Work to stop striking workers from blocking access to distribution centres as stock runs low across the country.
The grocery giant is seeking orders from the workplace regulator to prevent the United Workers Union (UWU) stopping employees from entering the Melbourne south regional distribution centre and three other sites in Victoria and NSW.
The Essential Ingredient, which featured as a specialty food brand on cooking show MasterChef Australia, entered into voluntary administration in late September - after almost 40 years of trading.
The online store is now permanently closed, while its Melbourne and Sydney retail outlets will remain open until stocks last.