Woolworths Strike Disrupts Supply Chains Across Eastern Australia

Industrial action over pay and workplace conditions has caused significant stock shortages at Woolworths stores and its liquor outlets, with no resolution in sight ahead of a critical Fair Work Commission hearing.

• Over 1,500 Woolworths warehouse workers have been striking since November 21, demanding higher pay and the removal of a controversial productivity framework.
• The strike has led to widespread stock shortages at Woolworths supermarkets and Endeavour Group-owned liquor stores, including Dan Murphy's and BWS, particularly in Victoria, NSW, and the ACT.
• Woolworths has reported $50 million in lost sales due to the industrial action, with competitors like Coles benefiting from increased customer traffic.
• The dispute centers on worker opposition to a performance management system that uses AI to set productivity targets, which the union claims is unsafe and inhumane.
• A Fair Work Commission hearing is scheduled for Friday, where Woolworths will seek to lift union picket lines at key distribution centers to resume operations.

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