Students latest to feel impact of DP World pay dispute as classroom supplies dwindle

Retailers are warning back-to-school shopping supplies are running low as the DP World pay dispute drags on.

With consumers paying the price, the Australian Retailers Association is urging the country's second largest port operator and union members to come do a deal.

"Some of our biggest back-to-school stationers are saying up to 50 per cent of their catalogue is out of stock in the last week heading back to school - this is of great concern of us," chief executive Paul Zahra said.

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Stevedores have been embroiled in the industrial action since October, with the Maritime Union of Australia claiming proposed rostering changes for wharfies at DP World would result in pay cuts and additional weekend work.

DP World says 54,000 shipping containers are in limbo, causing an $84 million hit to the economy each week.

MUA is bargaining for an 8 per cent per annum pay rise over two years as 16-hour work strikes shut down the company's Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle terminals, while limited work is being done at its Melbourne terminal.