Woolworths has filed an urgent application with the Fair Work Commission to stop union members from blocking access to its distribution centres, as it claims the industrial action has cost the business $50 million so far.

Woolworths has lodged an application with Fair Work to stop striking workers from blocking access to its distribution centres in Victoria and NSW as the supermarket giant counts the cost of the workplace dispute.

The nation’s largest supermarket operator has applied for an urgent court order to keep unions from blocking access to distribution sites in Victoria and NSW.

Woolworths say the ongoing strike at several of its distribution centres has cost it $50 million – and costs will keeping mounting.

Woolworths Group said its Australian food sales have been negatively affected by about $50 million due to industrial action.

The unions are hitting Woolworths right where it hurts, with the supermarket giant warning it has lost $50m in sales since the start of industrial action at four distribution centres last month that has seen many of its stores plagued with empty shelves to send shoppers elsewhere.

Australia’s largest retailer has revealed the staggering cost of industrial action by the United Workers Union at its distribution centres.

The grocery giant has apologised to customers as the 12-day strike by union workers continues to see empty shelves.

Shoppers could face empty shelves in the weeks leading up to Christmas as Woolworths warehouse workers continue to strike. The United Workers Union is demanding better safety, pay and equity from the supermarket giant.