SA’s largest private sector employer, Shoprite, is facing mounting scrutiny over the rollout of its smart trolleys being piloted in the Western Cape.
In a statement on Monday, the SA commercial, catering and allied workers union (Saccawu) raised its concern, warning that the technology could displace thousands of cashiers.
Last week Shoprite announced the trial of the Xpress Trolley, SA’s first smart shopping. The cart allows customers to scan items, track a running total and pay directly on the trolley without going through a traditional till point. The pilot is limited to two Checkers stores in the Western Cape.
While Shoprite insists the innovation poses no threat to jobs, Saccawu says it could have severe consequences for front-line workers.
“All cashiers will be displaced by this technology. This poses a huge risk which will see a number of these cashiers joining the already burgeoning unemployment queue in the country,” the union said.
Saccawu, which represents the majority of workers at Shoprite and other retailers, said the retailer employs more than 120,000 people, many of them part-time casuals, and accused the company of failing to consult before introducing the new technology.
“The retail sector is also known for not upskilling its employees, who often do routine, low-skilled tasks. It would have been just for this company to discuss this move with the union and see what is to be done with the cashiers whose jobs are on the line. Social justice demands of the company to balance bringing in new technology and preserving jobs,” the union said.
Saccawu said it would approach Shoprite to formally discuss the effect of smart trolleys on cashiers and press the company to consider alternatives that safeguard employment.
Shoprite has maintained that the smart trolley pilot is not a threat to jobs and told Business Day that it will, in fact, create new roles such as concierge assistants and checkout support staff. The group also framed the innovation as part of its broader strategy to enhance customer convenience and efficiency.
“Smart trolleys have the potential to significantly improve the speed and accuracy with which Sixty60 pickers complete orders, which in turn enables us to serve customers even better,” it said.
“This is just one of many digital innovations the group is experimenting with as part of our broader strategy to become SA’s most seamless and profitable omnichannel retailer. Insights gained from this pilot will help us continue shaping the future of retail in the country.”
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