Derby supermarket shelves ‘bare as during a cyclone’ amid worker shortage

A major supermarket chain has resorted to flying workers to the Kimberley to fill shelves which are “as bare as during a cyclone” because of the region’s tourism boom and labour shortage. Derby Woolworths has battled with a staff shortage for months, with the company blaming an influx of dry-season tourists. The situation has led to employees often copping a backlash for the lack of stock. A Woolworths spokesperson said the store had hired more than 30 team members in the past financial year. “We’ve seen a lot more customers than usual visit our Derby store over the last few weeks as Australians continue to holiday locally,” the spokesperson said. “We’re doing everything we can to replenish our shelves during this period of higher-than-usual demand. “We’ve flown in extra team members from other areas of WA to assist in the short term, and are actively trying to recruit from the local area.” Residents have vented frustration over the situation, with many saying they don’t believe the influx of visitors is to blame. Derby resident Jenny Parasiliti said she had been told by staff there was plenty of stock but not enough workers. “I have been told by the staff that are flat-out that it is not due to an increase in shoppers (tourists) but due to staff shortages,” she said. “There’s lots of stock out the back waiting to go on the shelves. There are not even enough staff to open all the check-outs. “The shop looks worse than when we have a great wet season and roads get closed.” Derby Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Stewart Milne said he would not blame Woolworths for the situation. “This is not only a Derby problem, but being experienced in Broome too,” he said. “The jobs are unskilled and should be filled by Centrelink and job networks as an alternative to receiving unemployment benefits.”