Woolworths‘ Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre (MSRDC) is set to resume operations after the United Workers Union endorsed new enterprise agreement offers from the Australian supermarket chain.
The endorsement, which also received backing from the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association at MSRDC, will see four distribution centres across the states of Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) reopen.
The Melbourne Liquor Distribution Centre, Wodonga Regional Distribution Centre and Erskine Park Distribution Centre are also expected to resume full-capacity operations.
The sites have been closed due to indefinite strike action since 21 November 2024, disrupting the supply of essential grocery products to Woolworths customers in Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and parts of NSW.
Votes on the new agreements will be presented to teams at these sites promptly.
Woolworths Group CEO Amanda Bardwell said: “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.
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By GlobalData“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.”
“We would once again like to apologise to our customers. 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 would also like to thank all of the teams across Woolworths Group who have worked tirelessly to minimise the disruption as much as possible and take care of our customers.”
The enterprise agreement comes a week after Woolworths lodged an urgent application with the country’s Fair Work Commission amid ongoing strikes in distribution centres.
In a separate development, Woolworths New Zealand celebrated a significant milestone with its 100th store transition to Woolworths – Woolworths Dunedin South.
The Dunedin supermarket underwent a significant refresh in the second half of 2024, introducing features such as a Woolworths Pharmacy offering free prescriptions and vaccinations, improvements to the online delivery area, new checkouts and a dedicated health foods area.