Cog in the Machine (tagging & tracking workers - which, and by who?)

little brother | 08.03.2006 17:26 | Social Struggles | Technology | Workers' Movements

Tagging or tracking of workers using GPS (global positioning), RFID (radio-frequency identification, worn or implanted) or other wireless technology is becoming more widespread, but what kinds of workers are being targeted for this sort of dehumanisation, and what companies are involved? Here are a few examples.

Tracking and tagging - a wearable computer

Distribution/Retail/Manufacturing centres: Several supermarkets (at least M&S, Sainsburys, Tesco, Asda) are tracking warehouse workers in Regional Distrubution Centres (RDC). Staff have 'wearable' devices on their bodies. Some systems have in-built barcode readers so that movements of both staff and goods are tracked, or have the ability to issue voice commands though a speaker or headset. Adsa has already used tracking information in a 'time-and-motion' study which has resulted in them upping the number of cases moved per hour. Many other examples of companies using these systems in Britain include Carphone Warehouse, Boots, B&Q, Big Food Group, Homebase, Black and Decker, Colgate Palmolive, Gillette, Hewlett Packard, Masterfoodsm O2, Remington, Sara Lee and Sony. There's much potential for more distributors and manufacturers to use tracking data for harassing workers over productivity or taking of 'unauthorised' breaks.

Advertising and sales: a tracked version of the sandwich board is the Adwalker multimedia 'bodypack' where employees are 'dressed' with a wearable computer, screen and touchpad. Staff can easily be monitored to make sure they are pacing the streets or other outdoor location.

Bars/Clubs/Casinos: Cocktail waitresses are being checked up on their serving rate through RFID in one Las Vegas casino, to cut down on wait times for the casino's "best customers", and to catch 'loafing' according to the company implementing it. RFID is already being used in casino chips and under-the-skin RFID has been tried out to charge punters for drinks by one nightclub chain (they have a choice at least!).

Offices: Verichip implanted RFID tags are already being used to control and monitor access in some buildings. Office workers could soon be tracked to find your whereabouts and hassle you to go to meetings.

How many new health problems will there be from carrying this equipment or from being spied on all day?
Where will this lastest round of workplace Taylorism end?
When we all get ID cards?

Sources and links:

The social threat of tracking technologies: