Productivity tags rile unions
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Union reacts angrily to increased use of 'dehumanising' tags.
7 June 2005 Trade unionists have reacted angrily to the growing use of 'wearable' computers that are being used to improve productivity in European businesses, accusing managers of 'dehumanising' employees.
A recent study by Durham University found that the use of wearable computers - devices worn on the arm or hand that are linked into the local area network - is rising. As many as 10,000 employees are using the devices to supply high street retailers such as Marks &Spencer, Sainsbury's, Asda and Boots.
Now trade unionists have called for regulation of the devices, claiming employers are using them to introduce degrading levels of management control.
A statement from the British general trade union GMB complained that the devices were damaging staff morale, undermining employees' freedom to make their own decisions. "The GMB is no Luddite organisation but we will not stand idly by to see our member reduced to automatons," said Paul Kenny, the acting general secretary of the GMB.
According to report from Durham University the use of the devices has led to better inventory controls, improved order fulfilment and reduced in-transit losses. One US drug wholesaler, McKessonHBOC, reported an 8% productivity gain and 99.5% accuracy rate in its inventory through staff using the devices.
The devices used in supply chains have scanners built in, enabling operators to efficiently track items. But the unions are concerned that the devices will be used to track employee movement, introducing 'battery farm' style workplaces.
