Alcohol retailer alerts customers over stock shortages as industrial action ensues
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As the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to celebrating with a glass of our favourite tipple.
However, for residents in New South Wales and Victoria, the cheer may be a little harder to come by this year.
Dan Murphy's, a popular alcohol retailer, is facing stock shortages in several stores across these states.
This problem was all due to ongoing industrial action at Woolworths-operated warehouses.
The timing couldn't be more inconvenient, with the pre-Christmas rush typically seeing a spike in sales and demand for beer, wine, and spirits.
The industrial action, which began on 21 November, has seen more than 1,500 Woolworths warehouse workers strike for better pay and improved safety conditions.
The United Workers Union (UWU), which is supporting the workers, is pushing for a minimum hourly wage of $38 and the removal of what they call a 'punitive' productivity framework.
The dispute has had a ripple effect, impacting not only Woolworths but also the Endeavour Group, which owns Dan Murphy's and BWS stores and was formerly under the Woolworths umbrella.
An Endeavour spokesperson has acknowledged the varying degrees of stock shortages across their Victorian and southern NSW stores, with some locations experiencing reduced delivery frequencies.
‘The degree of impact on stock differs across our stores,’ the spokesperson said.
‘While deliveries continue, certain stores may experience a decrease in how often they receive new stock.’
Customers at some of Dan Murphy's and BWS outlets have been greeted by signs similar to those at Woolworths, explaining the shortages.
This situation is a direct result of the industrial action affecting up to five distribution centres run by Woolworths' supply chain arm, Primary Connect, which services these liquor stores.
The financial toll of the strikes is significant, with Woolworths disclosing a loss of $50 million in grocery sales since the action began.
The Melbourne south regional distribution centre, the most significant of the affected centres, is at the heart of the dispute and the subject of an upcoming Fair Work Commission hearing.
The UWU has been vocal about its support for the striking workers, having received $115,000 in donations to assist with ‘crisis payments and food costs’.
They argued that an agreement addressing safety concerns and providing cost-of-living wage increases could swiftly resolve the issue and get workers back on the job, restocking shelves in time for the holiday season.
Woolworths, on the other hand, has stated that the majority of the team at the Melbourne distribution centre are keen to return to work and start earning again.
What are your thoughts on the industrial action and its impact on your holiday preparations? Have you experienced stock shortages in your area? Share your experiences in the comments below!
However, for residents in New South Wales and Victoria, the cheer may be a little harder to come by this year.
Dan Murphy's, a popular alcohol retailer, is facing stock shortages in several stores across these states.
This problem was all due to ongoing industrial action at Woolworths-operated warehouses.
The timing couldn't be more inconvenient, with the pre-Christmas rush typically seeing a spike in sales and demand for beer, wine, and spirits.
Dan Murphy’s is facing stock shortages as industrial action continues. Credit: Dan Murphy’s / Facebook
The industrial action, which began on 21 November, has seen more than 1,500 Woolworths warehouse workers strike for better pay and improved safety conditions.
The United Workers Union (UWU), which is supporting the workers, is pushing for a minimum hourly wage of $38 and the removal of what they call a 'punitive' productivity framework.
The dispute has had a ripple effect, impacting not only Woolworths but also the Endeavour Group, which owns Dan Murphy's and BWS stores and was formerly under the Woolworths umbrella.
An Endeavour spokesperson has acknowledged the varying degrees of stock shortages across their Victorian and southern NSW stores, with some locations experiencing reduced delivery frequencies.
‘The degree of impact on stock differs across our stores,’ the spokesperson said.
‘While deliveries continue, certain stores may experience a decrease in how often they receive new stock.’
Customers at some of Dan Murphy's and BWS outlets have been greeted by signs similar to those at Woolworths, explaining the shortages.
This situation is a direct result of the industrial action affecting up to five distribution centres run by Woolworths' supply chain arm, Primary Connect, which services these liquor stores.
The financial toll of the strikes is significant, with Woolworths disclosing a loss of $50 million in grocery sales since the action began.
The Melbourne south regional distribution centre, the most significant of the affected centres, is at the heart of the dispute and the subject of an upcoming Fair Work Commission hearing.
The UWU has been vocal about its support for the striking workers, having received $115,000 in donations to assist with ‘crisis payments and food costs’.
They argued that an agreement addressing safety concerns and providing cost-of-living wage increases could swiftly resolve the issue and get workers back on the job, restocking shelves in time for the holiday season.
Woolworths, on the other hand, has stated that the majority of the team at the Melbourne distribution centre are keen to return to work and start earning again.
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