Tuesday, 11th of July

Alternative to Finger Scanning to Be Offered to Supermarket Staff

The supermarket worker who objected to having her finger print scanned and used for a new clock-in system at New World Motueka last week has been offered the option of using a PIN number on the same machine.

National Secretary of the National Distribution Union, Laila Harre said the owner of the store advised the union yesterday that following publicity over Keely-Anne Robinson's objection to using the new system, she and other workers were to be offered the option of using the new PIN feature of the electronic system.

"Keely-Anne's stand against finger scanning took great courage" said Laila Harre, "and her objections have benefitted all her workmates."

Laila Harre said the union had now arranged with the store owner to visit the store this week to talk to other workers about the benefits of working together in the union.

"If workers agree the union will support them in negotiating a collective agreement. The union's ShelfRespect.org campaign aims for a minimum $12 an hour pay rate for supermarket workers, an end to youth rates and secure hours of work. Union delegates would also have regular consultation meetings with the store management and so changes like the finger scanning one go through a proper process in future."

Meanwhile, the union says that it received a number of comments through www.ShelfRespect.org and phone calls from other Foodstuffs stores and warehouses where the finger scanning technology has been introduced without seeking consent from staff.

Ms Harre said that the union would be following up complaints and encouraging those workers to become active in demanding consultation and shelf respect.

ENDS

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