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.

A strike outside one of Woolworths’ distribution centres is now in its 13th day. Union members fighting for better pay and conditions have resolved to remain steadfast.

A standoff between grocery giant Woolworths and 1,500 striking workers has intensified just three weeks shy of Christmas Day. The supermarket chain has since filed an urgent application to prevent union members from blocking its warehouses.

The ongoing supply chain strike has cost Woolworths a whopping $50 million in lost food sales over the past 12 days.