The Warehouse denies union claims distribution centre staff are defecating in aisles
Warehouse distribution workers in New Zealand are protesting against automation and alleged intrusive AI monitoring of bathroom breaks. The company has strongly denied these claims, stating that their technology is not AI-powered and does not track personal habits.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing tension between labor unions and corporations regarding the implementation of workplace surveillance and automation technologies.
Audio player for " Union raises alarm over AI monitoring at The Warehouse " removed for printing
Visit page to play audio: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9._v0.KrRTFtoPsaA8nSDloPZ4KejQJr59ANQpD9ULgGwzaM0/business/2549693%2Fthe-warehouse-denies-union-claims-distribution-centre-staff-are-defecating-in-aisles
Hundreds of Warehouse distribution workers made their presence felt at passionate protests in Auckland and Christchurch on Thursday, expressing opposition to automation of their jobs and what they see as intrusive workplace monitoring practices.
Workers First Union claimed its members' bathroom breaks were being tracked by artificial intelligence, leading to instances of staff urinating and defecating in distribution aisles.
The Warehouse Group strongly denies the introduction of drones and a stock-picking robot is putting staff out of work, let alone allegations it is monitoring toilet visits, and that workers have defecated and urinated in the aisles as a result.
But workers RNZ spoke to say they feel they're being treated as second-best to robots and fear what the future holds.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in