It's set to be a big week for Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) shareholders as the retailer gears up for its AGM amid the looming threat of strikes.
The National Union of Workers is threatening to coordinate strikes across four of Woolworths' distribution centres in Victoria and New South Wales if the retailer doesn't heed the unions' demands for pay increases and job security.
The threat of industrial action comes as Woolworths presses ahead with plans to implement greater levels of automation at the warehouses and some believe that means jobs cuts are coming.
The Woolworths share price has taken a bit of a dive since the company released its full-year results in August.
Woolworths announced its EBIT decreased 4.9% on the previous year to $2,326 million.
The retailer blamed the majority of the reduction on Big W's losses of $150.5 million which were described as "extremely disappointing".
Woolworths also announced the loss "reflects the investment we began to make in the second half as we implement our new turnaround plan".
"The plan has been approved by the Board and its implementation is underway." Woolworths said.
"FY18 will continue to be a year of investment for BIG W and we do not expect a reduction in losses as we continue to invest to improve the customer shopping experience, including re-establishing price trust."
But it seems it wasn't enough to secure investors' trust.
On August 23, when Woolworths made the announcement, its shares were trading at $26.94 and closed on Friday at $25.63.
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shareholders have had a better run over that period, seeing their stock rise from $41.52 to close on Friday at $43.10.
Woolworths will hope for a quick resolution with its workers, who have submitted their grievances with the retailer to the Fair Work Commission, if it hopes to avoid significant disruptions to its business.
Woolworths' AGM is scheduled for November 23.
