BY MELISSA WARDELL AND NZPA
MASTERTON grocery shoppers will face indefinite disruptions to their shopping if strikes at three major grocery distribution centres across the country continue.
About 500 Workers at Progressive Enterprises Ltd (PEL), who handle distribution for all Woolworths, Countdown and Foodtown supermarkets, walked off their jobs last Friday as
they fight for a pay increase.
The two Masterton supermarkets affected by the strikes are Woolworths in Queen Street and Woolworths at Gull service station on Chapel Street.
Managing director of PEL, Marty Hamnett, said it is too early yet to tell how badly these shops might be affected, but alternative delivery arrangements have been implemented in the meantime.
"Our aim is to keep stores as well stocked as we can with grocery items. We will not allow the disruption at our distribution centres to inconvenience New Zealanders going about their everyday shopping," he said.
"You can imagine this is a major logistical exercise and we are trying hard to keep all stores fully stocked."
The alternative arrangements mean Masterton Woolworths shoppers have been guaranteed a regular delivery of fresh produce (fruit and vegetables, meat, bakery, milk), but other grocery items may be affected. This includes everything outside fresh produce such as cereals, tinned food, cleaning products and bathroom items.
The National Distribution Union yesterday alleged PEL's alternative arrangements breached industrial law, but the company denied the claim.
