Electronic shelf labels likely to cost jobs and drive up grocery prices, US report warns
Summary
A report by the AFL-CIO Tech Institute warns that electronic shelf labels in US grocery stores could result in job losses, lower wages, and higher grocery prices. These digital price tags allow rapid price changes based on customer data, raising concerns about fairness and the impact on both workers and shoppers.Key Facts
- Electronic shelf labels can cause a loss of 44,223 to 191,633 jobs in grocery stores.
- Workers may lose between $1.6 billion and $6.9 billion in wages annually due to these labels.
- The labels enable quick price changes using algorithms and personal data, a practice called surveillance pricing.
- Food prices in the US have increased by 33% over the past seven years, outpacing wage growth and inflation.
- Maryland, Connecticut, and New Jersey have passed laws banning surveillance pricing and electronic shelf labels.
- A poll found about two-thirds of Americans support banning these labels and surveillance pricing.
- Electronic labels lead to gradual cutting of workers’ hours, moving many from full-time to part-time or no hours.
- Paper price labels have been used for over 100 years, providing consistent pricing for shoppers.
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