Woolworths shelves are rapidly starting to empty as the industrial dispute with the United Workers Union drags beyond its second week in parts of Victoria. Woolworths said the action has so far cost $50 million in sales.

Woolworths has filed an urgent application with the Fair Work Commission to stop union members from blocking access to its distribution centres, as it claims the industrial action has cost the business $50 million so far.

Woolworths has lodged an application with Fair Work to stop striking workers from blocking access to its distribution centres in Victoria and NSW as the supermarket giant counts the cost of the workplace dispute.

Supermarket shelves across Melbourne have been left bare and deprived of essentials, including nappies, toilet paper and drinks, as hundreds of picketing workers blocked Woolworths’ attempts to reopen a warehouse during an indefinite strike.

Woolworths stores across the ACT, NSW and Victoria are likely to continue to experience grocery shortages after the supermarket

Woolworths customers across Victoria will continue to face bare shelves following ongoing strike action at some of its key distribution centres.

Woolworths say the ongoing strike at several of its distribution centres has cost it $50 million – and costs will keeping mounting.

The unions are hitting Woolworths right where it hurts, with the supermarket giant warning it has lost $50m in sales since the start of industrial action at four distribution centres last month that has seen many of its stores plagued with empty shelves to send shoppers elsewhere.

Australia’s largest retailer has revealed the staggering cost of industrial action by the United Workers Union at its distribution centres.

The grocery giant has apologised to customers as the 12-day strike by union workers continues to see empty shelves.