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.

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

Shoppers could face empty shelves in the weeks leading up to Christmas as Woolworths warehouse workers continue to strike. The United Workers Union is demanding better safety, pay and equity from the supermarket giant.