New Worker Scheduling at Walmart - Another way to exploit workers and be more "efficient"
WSJ in an article described the new worker scheduling system which walmart will roll out in all its stores this year. The new computerized system schedules workers based on number of customers in store, receipts from counter, past record and such parameters as loading time for stock etc. This system will lead to unpredictable schedules for workers and they would be asked to be on hold at various times and if system demands they would be on work. This makes workers life a hell as they dont know at what times they will work and schedule for picking up kids, doing other chores goes berserik. This system will also help in not scheduling more hours for part time workers who are reaching full time status as that rquires walmart to provide more benefits. Also current full time workers will be asked to work at random points making life difficult for them and forcing them to leave. (Full time have to be paid more benefits but dont have very high productivity as compared to part timers according to walmart. So the company prefers part time employees).
This will lead to increased efficiency for walmart customers and the managers. But what about workers?. They are not unionized and organized so its easy for Walmart to get these draconion rules through. Walmart has feverntly opposed any form of unionization in its stores and infact closed stores where it was threatened with unions. Another example of corporate explotation without concern for employees for more "efficiency" aka profits.
1 comment:
To be upfront, I happen to be associated with Asgard Systems, who are publishers of employee scheduling software. We are not the suppliers of Wal-Mart’s employee scheduling software and are unaware of what product they are using.
Even if Wal-Mart (or any employer) used a pencil and paper to produce their employee schedules, they might still implement policies and procedures that could be viewed as promoting their own corporate interests. The promotional literature that we provide regarding our product, does directly address organizational scheduling needs. However, such needs include taking the employees personal life into perspective as well. An example is the priority given to personal conflicting events such as night school, taking care of sick parents, weddings etc. Such issues are promoted at our website (www.asgardsystems.com), in our free trial version and our instructional movies. I am very pleased to say that, most employers express the need of having to contend with the humanistic aspects of managing an organization. Their needs dictate our products.
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