Shoppers might see less of the basics on the shelves at Progressive supermarkets today.

Progressive Enterprises, which runs Countdown, Foodtown and Woolworths supermarkets met with the unions representing workers yesterday, but talks quickly collapsed.

Workers are seeking a collective agreement which will give employees at the Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch distribution centres equal rights.

Progressive Enterprises says the ongoing dispute will be tough on supermarket workers.

And workers are also feeling the pinch of not being paid - but it seems neither side is willing to back down. There is no sign of when talks will resume.