By Stuart Condie


SYDNEY--Australian supermarket operator Woolworths said recent strikes at some of its distribution centers have hit earnings by 50 million-60 million Australian dollars (US$32.0 million-US$38.3 million), and warned of more to come as it refills empty shelves in the lead up to Christmas.

The ASX-listed company on Monday said it lost A$140 million in sales from the 17-day strike across four centers in southeast Australia. The industrial action concluded at the weekend when workers endorsed an 11% pay increase over three years.

Woolworths said it is now working to restock stores as the key holiday trading period ramps up. It will update the market on the full financial impact when it announces its fiscal first-half results in February.

"While all sites are now operational, Woolworths Group anticipates there will be further sales and earnings impacts," the company said.


Write to Stuart Condie at stuart.condie@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

12-08-24 1836ET