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Warehouse Workers Block Woolworths Distribution Centres

Woolworths has asked the Fair Work Commission to intervene after warehouse workers have escalated strikes by blocking distribution centres.

The Woolworths Group claims it has filed an urgent application with the Fair Work Commission to prevent the United Workers Union (UWU) from blocking access to their distribution centres, alleging the striking workers are in breach of good faith bargaining requirements.

Woolworths alleges the UWU has created an “unsafe environment” for employees who are trying to enter the distribution centres.

"The application comes after the UWU refused to give any assurance of safe passage for team members seeking to return to work at our Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre (MSRDC) yesterday and this morning," Woolworths said in a statement.

Today, the supermarket giant told shareholders that the strike action had already cost them $50 million in lost food sales.

“Since the start of the industrial action, Australian food sales have been negatively impacted by approximately $50m to date (up to 2 December),” Woolworths said.

“Until the industrial action is resolved, a further impact to sales is expected.”