Woolworths is counting the cost of a 17-day strike by its factory workers, calculating the industrial action cost it a nine-figure sum in lost sales.
Distribution centre employees stopped work citing issues with their pay and safety concerns about an algorithmic performance management system.
They clinched a deal with the grocery giant on Friday, which the company said included an 11 per cent pay rise over three years.
Woolworths said it lost around $140 million in sales due to the empty shelves caused as a result of the action.
In a statement to the ASX, the supermarket also forecast a $50 million hit to profits due to the dispute, the impact of which was still being felt as stock levels were rebuilt before the busy Christmas period.
Chief executive Amanda Bardwell reiterated an apology to customers and hoped shoppers would see shelves brimming with products in no time.
“With just over two weeks until Christmas, we are now moving products out of the distribution centres and on to supermarket shelves as quickly as possible for our customers,” she said.
Woolworths’ industrial dispute was followed by separate stop-work action at soft drink powerhouse Coca-Cola.
Its factory workers walked off the job on Monday, claiming the global giant paid staff significantly less than major rival Pepsi.
About 150 workers from Coke’s Northmead factory, in western Sydney, voted to take industrial action that the union said could impact Christmas supply of the popular drink.
Electrical Trades Union NSW secretary Allen Hicks said the Coca-Cola workers would be better off at Pepsi.
“Despite doing the same work, workers in Coca-Cola’s Northmead factory are paid significantly lower than those working for Pepsi,” he said.
“Coca-Cola has a two-tiered wage system which sees some employees paid significantly less than their co-workers, even though they’re doing exactly the same job.”
In response, Coca-Cola Europacific said it was still in negotiations with workers at the Northmead manufacturing and logistics site on a new enterprise agreement.
“We continue to take a constructive approach to negotiations and have proposed an EA that we believe offers rates that are competitive to the market and above the award wage with greater benefits,” a spokeswoman said.
“Some of our employees at Northmead have made the decision to take action and we respect their right to do so.”
Coca-Cola workers also have issues with rostering and the company’s progression structure.
Mr Hicks said it was a new take on the age-old “Coke vs Pepsi” debate.
“All these workers want is to be paid in line with industry standards … when it comes to treating its employees with respect, Pepsi is winning hands down,” he said.
Coca-Cola said it had contingency plans in place to help minimise any potential supply issues.
“We … are confident that Australians will be able to enjoy our wide range of products during the festive season … regardless of the action being taken at our Northmead facility,” the spokesperson said.
