Shelves become more and more empty

Many of the country's most popular products are disappearing off supermarket shelves, replaced by apologetic signage, as the dispute between Progressive Enterprises and 600 distribution workers stretches into its 11th day.

The workers, who deliver to Progressive supermarkets including Countdown, Woolworths and Foodtown, walked off the job on August 25, initially intending a 48-hour strike to highlight their demand for a collective agreement across the country's four distribution centres.

Progressive locked the workers out three days later.

Mediation between union representatives and the company has so far failed to find resolution.

In Johnsonville, near Wellington, gaping holes on the shelves of two Progressive-owned supermarkets today revealed the impact of the conflict.

"It's completely annoying," Woolworths shopper Kirsty Chapman said.

"I had to buy brands I wouldn't normally, because the ones I want just weren't there."

Mrs Chapman said her normal cereal brands had all been missing, as had her preferred brands of cooking oil, and sundried tomatoes.

Row upon row of shelves at Johnsonville Woolworths and Countdown stores were empty, with small signs apologising for the inconvenience.

Frozen and chilled products, along with fresh fruit and vegetables are delivered daily, and their supply is unaffected.

But the supermarkets are running out of stored goods, and products from popular brands such as Bluebird, Vitasoy and Signature Range seemed to be the hardest hit.

A large sign at the entrance to Countdown displayed a letter to customers from Progressive managing director Marty Hamnett apologising for the inconvenience caused by the strike.

The letter describes the union's demands as "unreasonable and unrealistic", saying they amount to a 30 per cent pay rise and if granted, would result in supermarket price hikes and job losses.

Customers spoken to at the supermarkets today said they had not followed the dispute too closely, but some thought the workers probably had a reasonable case.

Most said they had not had too many problems finding the products they wanted, although some said they had only come in for one or two things anyway.

"When I do my proper shop, I'll go to New World," one customer said.

Countdown shopper Natalie Smith said she was frustrated to not be able to find the products she wanted.

"It has been very frustrating because I have my set things that I like to buy each week and lots of them weren't there," she said.

"I'll go to New World next time."

Foodstuffs managing director Tony McNeil said there had been a slight increase in custom at the group's supermarkets, which include New World and Pak'n'Save, but "nothing dramatic".

"I think most people will just buy the alternative products if they can't find their usual brands," he said.

- NZPA