Sacramento, California – A new bill proposed in California aims to combat theft by prohibiting grocery stores and certain retailers from offering self-checkout options to customers. Senate Bill 1446 stipulates strict conditions for the provision of self-service checkout, including limiting the number of stations monitored by a single employee and relieving them of all other duties.
The bill also requires grocers and retailers to assess the impact of using certain technologies that could significantly alter employees’ job functions or lead to job elimination. State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, a Democrat who introduced the bill, highlighted that self-checkout machines result in 16 times more losses than check-outs with cashiers, amounting to about $10 billion annually.
Concerns over employee safety and the prevalence of theft in the industry have fueled the push to eliminate self-checkout machines. Smallwood-Cuevas emphasized the vulnerability of lone workers who are targets for theft and violence while managing multiple responsibilities.
The move to remove self-checkout machines is not confined to California. Retail giants like Walmart and Five Below have already taken steps to reduce theft by scaling back or eliminating the use of self-checkout options. Walmart cited combating theft as the reason behind reducing self-checkout machines, while Five Below transitioned to associate-assisted checkouts across its locations.
The impact of removing self-checkout machines goes beyond preventing theft, as it also aims to enhance employee safety and alleviate the burden on workers who are vulnerable to theft and violence. Implementing these changes could potentially revolutionize the retail industry and create a safer environment for employees.
In conclusion, the proposed bill in California represents a shift towards prioritizing employee safety and combating theft in the retail sector. As businesses adapt to new regulations and consider the implications of technology on their workforce, the focus remains on ensuring a secure and efficient shopping experience for both employees and customers.