A new report warns that the widespread adoption of electronic shelf labels in U.S. grocery stores could lead to significant job losses and wage reductions for workers, while also increasing grocery costs for consumers. The AFL-CIO Tech Institute analyzed marketing materials from label manufacturers, revealing potential annual wage losses between $1.6 billion and $6.9 billion, along with job cuts affecting tens of thousands of positions. These labels, promoted as a cost-saving tool for retailers, may instead contribute to broader economic strain for workers and shoppers alike. Critics argue the technology could further erode labor protections and consumer affordability.
AFL-CIO calls for ban on such labels to protect consumers and workers from surveillance pricing and job cutsThe universal adoption of electronic shelf labels in grocery stores across the US could cost tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in lost wages while further driving up grocery costs, according to a report released on Tuesday.An analysis by the AFL-CIO Tech Institute of the label manufacturers’ own marketing materials found the universal adoption of electronic shelf labels, which are marketed to retailers as a cost-cutting measure, could cost workers between $1.6bn to $6.9bn in lost wages annually and affect between 44,223 and 191,633 jobs. Continue reading...
