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https://theconversation.com/the-dispute-causing-empty-shelves-at-woolies-is-a-test-case-for-companies-using-ai-and-automation-on-workers-245144>
"Behind the empty shelves in Woolworths supermarkets across Victoria and New
South Wales is a fraught battle between workers and employers that could affect
the future of workplaces everywhere.
The dispute has been triggered by stalled enterprise bargaining negotiations
between Woolworths and the United Workers Union.
A major factor involves Woolworths introducing a “coaching and productivity
framework” to speed up work at distribution centres. This involves surveillance
technology and monitoring to direct each worker’s movement and output.
Under this framework, so-called engineered standards or “pick rates” are
designed to speed up work on the warehouse floor. Warehouse workers typically
wear headsets through which they are told what items to pick and from where,
via AI-generated algorithms.
More than 1,500 workers, who are also seeking a large pay increase over three
years, have been blockading distribution centres in the two states for just
over a fortnight. This is causing stores to run out of toilet paper, meat,
dairy and other staples.
Woolworths filed an urgent application with the Fair Work Commission on
Tuesday. It wants the blockades lifted, claiming the interruption has cost the
business at least A$50 million so far. Coles and independent grocers have
reportedly seen an increase in business."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics