UFCW Local 360 Applauds New Legislation Tackling Predatory Supermarket Pricing and Threat of ESL Automation

We are proud to announce that Governor Sherrill has just signed a new law aimed at safeguarding consumers from unfair pricing practices in supermarkets. With many families across our state worrying about rising costs, this legislation will help ensure that prices on essential items are stable and fair, preventing supermarkets from exploiting shoppers.

The law, identified as A-4085 (Onyema / Quijano / Sampson / Speight / Bailey / Bagolie / Cryan / Lagana), also includes a one-year pause on electronic shelf labels (ESL). These labels, when paired with predatory pricing, allow stores to change prices instantly based on customer data, which can lead to confusion and unfair pricing. Importantly, this change will not impact discount cards that families rely on for savings.

Moreover, it’s crucial to highlight that the work associated with managing these pricing systems is currently performed by UFCW members. President Sam Ferraino of UFCW Local 360 stated that this work is currently done by UFCW members, and the future of their employment is at risk due to this technology. Self-checkout lanes have already decimated the supermarket workforce, which we are continuing to work on, and ESL will push more of our members out of a job. The introduction of ESL technology poses a threat to their jobs, especially after self-checkout lanes have already significantly reduced the supermarket workforce. This law is a step towards protecting both consumers and the valuable workers who support our communities.

This law represents a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by modern retail practices. By protecting consumers from unfair pricing and safeguarding jobs, it seeks to create a fairer marketplace for everyone involved. The next steps will involve monitoring the effects of this legislation on pricing practices and employment in the supermarket sector.