The AFL-CIO Tech Institute released a policy brief titled Priced Out, Pushed Out: Electronic Shelf Labels Raise Prices and Shrink Paychecks, advocating for a ban on electronic shelf labels (ESLs). The organization argues that the technology enables dynamic pricing, which could lead to higher costs for consumers and potential job losses for retail workers.
According to the report, widespread implementation of ESLs could result in annual wage losses ranging from $1.6 billion to $6.9 billion. The institute estimates that between 44,223 and 191,633 jobs could be eliminated as retailers use the technology to cut costs, drawing parallels to the staff reductions observed after the introduction of self-checkout kiosks.
The institute claims that ESLs allow retailers to change prices in seconds, facilitating volatile pricing strategies. While manufacturers suggest the technology frees up staff for customer service, the report asserts that marketing materials focus on cost reduction. New Jersey has already implemented a one-year moratorium on ESL usage while the technology undergoes legislative review.
