Woolworths has applied with the Fair Work Commission, seeking orders to stop its striking workers from blocking access to its Melbourne distribution centre.

Supermarket shelves across Melbourne have been left bare and deprived of essentials, including nappies, toilet paper and drinks, as hundreds of picketing workers blocked Woolworths’ attempts to reopen a warehouse during an indefinite strike.

Around 200 Woolworths workers are picketing a distribution centre in Melbourne's south-east which the supermarket giant is trying to reopen to ease a shortage of some items at its stores.

The major supermarket chain tried to reopen the warehouse at Dandenong South this morning, bringing workers in on buses with the aid of police.

Protesters have blocked the reopening of a Woolworths distribution centre as industrial action continues over demands for better pay and conditions.

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