Woolworths sacks two workers and investigates dozens over alleged conduct during 17-day strike
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Letters seen by Guardian Australia focus on alleged pickets on 26 November outside warehouses that were not then on strike. Two workers have been dismissed and Woolworths has told dozens of warehouse employees it is investigating their alleged conduct during a recent 17-day strike that cost it more than $100m in sales.
In November 2024, about 1,500 warehouse staff across four of the company’s distribution centres in New South Wales and Victoria took industrial action over pay and workplace conditions. A spokesperson for Primary Connect, the grocery giant’s supply chain arm, confirmed a “number of investigations” were ongoing as a result of alleged “unlawful picketing”, adding that there would be no disciplinary action for those who lawfully took part in protected industrial action.
Guardian Australia understands workers at striking sites in both states have now received letters notifying them of internal investigations. Several letters seen by the Guardian indicate the supermarket giant is focused on alleged pickets that took place on 26 November outside warehouses in the Woolworths distribution network that were not the employee’s own worksite and that were not then subject to industrial action.
A United Workers Union (UWU) spokesperson said it was aware of “several different matters” being raised by Woolworths with members after the industrial action but did not confirm the investigations. “United Workers Union is representing members in these matters with the goal of ensuring members are heard and they receive fair outcomes,” he said. “It’s the view of United Workers Union that at this stage the best interests of members are not served by further comment.”.
