Stock shortages at Countdown expected over the coming days as distribution staff strike

Wednesday, 24 November 2021

Stock shortages are likely to hit Countdown supermarkets as 700 distribution workers strike.

Countdown is warning customers will see gaps on the shelves over the coming days and potentially weeks, as 700 distribution workers strike.

The action follows the supermarket chain declining to offer pay increases in line with the consumer price index (CPI) during bargaining for a new collective agreement.

The strike began at midnight on Tuesday and will continue until midnight Friday.

“It’s very likely that customers will see gaps on the shelves over the coming days and potentially weeks, due to the impact this will have on our distribution centre operations – which are already stretched due to the Covid-19 health-and-safety measures we have in place to help keep team safe,” a Countdown spokeswoman said.

The Commerce Commission is looking into how competitive New Zealand's grocery retailers are.

* COP26: Pacific, EU launch landmark alliance

* Covid-19: Supermarket workers get pay bonus during level 4 lockdown

“We’ll do our best to ensure we can continue to deliver essential food and products into our stores for Kiwi families during this period.”

She said Countdown was negotiating with First Union representatives and had put what it considered to be a “strong offer” on the table for the distribution centre team.

“Our focus is providing a fair and meaningful pay offer for our team and a safe and supportive workplace, as well as balancing the very real pressure to keep food prices down in an environment of increasing costs.

“While we are disappointed that First Union has felt it necessary to take strike action, despite our offer and the fact that we are still in negotiation, we respect our team’s right to do that.”

First Union organiser Olly Paegotau told Stuff on Tuesday workers were seeking the pay increase to cover the rising costs of living in the city. They wanted a one-year term for the new deal because of the “uncertainty of the present climate”.

“It’s pretty simple – these people have been busier than ever before and working harder than they’ve ever worked. And now it’s time to sign a deal. All they want is a fair-pay rise that covers increasing costs of living,” he said.