Woolworths fires employees following November strike

Other employees investigated for alleged misconduct during 17-day strike

Woolworths fires employees following November strike

Woolworths has dismissed two employees and is investigating others more over their alleged conduct during a 17-day strike in November, according to reports.

The strike involved approximately 1,500 warehouse staff across four of Woolworths' distribution centres in New South Wales and Victoria. The employees were protesting for better pay and improved workplace conditions.

The Guardian reported last week that two employees have been sacked for their alleged behaviour outside a site that was not on strike.

Investigation over strike ongoing

According to the report, several workers at striking sites in both states have also received letters notifying them of internal investigations into their actions during the protest.

Some of the letters referenced allegations of workers "blocking the exit and entry" of vehicles at sites where they were not employed and that were not part of the strike action.

The United Workers Union (UWU) has confirmed that it is aware of the ongoing investigations but did not provide specific details.

"United Workers Union is representing members in these matters with the goal of ensuring members are heard and they receive fair outcomes," an UWU spokesperson said in a statement. "It's the view of United Workers Union that at this stage the best interests of members are not served by further comment.”

Woolworths, union dispute

The investigation follows a broader dispute between Woolworths and the UWU over pay last year.

Woolworths employees have accepted a new offer from the supermarket giant in early December, bringing an end to the 17-day strike that had affected its distribution centres.

The offer secures employees' pay rises in the first year of between four per cent and 4.5%, and between 3.15% and 4.5% in years after that.

But in early December, Woolworths also accused the UWU of breaching good faith bargaining requirements after pickets obstructed operations at a Melbourne South regional distribution centre, ABC News reported.

The Fair Work Commission found that the union had engaged in "obstructive picketing" and was attempting to exert undue pressure on the company during negotiations. The commission has scheduled formal meetings to discuss the allegations.