:: netwoman's blog ::

Technology and Work

I was at the grocery store today, and my local store has implemented some new technology. The store now has four cash registers that are functional so that the paying customer swipes their own groceries, and completes the transaction themselves. It's like going to an ATM rather than a bank teller. Perhaps this isn't new, but in my area it is.

I suppose it's supposed to be quicker - that is if you don't get stuck waiting for someone who cannot work the technology. But something else struck me of course.

There are four new automated regsiters, with one cashier 'watching over' these registers in case something whacky happens when non-techno-savvy customers are using them. So, what do we have? We have three less paid cashiers on shift. Three less cashiers who are generally women. Once again, we have automated technology taking jobs away from working class women.

Did anyone else at the grocery store think about this? Or is it just me? How long until the whole store is automated? What does the union think of this? What do the employees think of this?

Grrrr.

posted by Netwoman @ 3:12 AM