Woolworths supermarket staff are copping abuse from shoppers amid a supply shortage caused by industrial action at distribution centres, a union says.
The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDA) said its members had reported a concerning increase in ill treatment from customers.
"Abusing staff who are doing their best to serve customers is never justified," NSW secretary Bernie Smith said.
"Shoppers should check their behaviour before they check out."
Striking warehouse workers demonstrating in Sydney last week. (ABC News: Chantelle Al-Khouri)
More than 1,500 Woolworths warehouse staff have been on strike for a week while the United Workers Union (UWU) demands better pay and safety conditions.
Staff at Lineage, a cold storage warehouse that supplies to Woolworths stores, have been on strike for five days.
Albury Woolworths customer Val said she was frustrated by the impact the industrial action has had.
"I'm finding lots of empty shelves, things that I can't get that I usually get — you know, basics," she said.
"I am trying to make sure I get something every week before Christmas."
Woolworths was told to expect shortages, according to UWU national secretary Tim Kennedy. (Four Corners: Daniel Fermer)
'Now is the time'
UWU national secretary Tim Kennedy said Woolworths was warned that a supply shortage would occur.
"Woolworths knows how to fix this and now is the time as families start their Christmas preparations," he said.
"Workers do not want to feel pressured to cut corners and work unsafely for fear of losing their job.
"Woolworths must prioritise the safety and wellbeing of workers above all else.
"Woolworths are squeezing shoppers at the register and workers on pay and conditions while making ever increasing profits.
"This is contributing to growing wealth inequality in Australia."
Woolworths in Kyneton was left lacking in frozen goods after the supply chain disruption. (ABC News: Kristofor Lawson)
A Woolworths spokesperson said some stores were more impacted by shortages than others.
No product limits are in place except on eggs, but that limit was imposed before the industrial action.
"Some stores around the Victoria and New South Wales border area are experiencing limited stock-flow on some lines due to industrial action in four of our distribution centres," the spokesperson said.
"All stores are still receiving regular deliveries of stock, in some cases at a reduced frequency.
"Not all stores are impacted and the degree of stock-flow challenge varies from store to store."
The spokesperson said Woolworths had contingency plans in place to minimise the ongoing impact and that it was relying on 20 other distribution centres.