ALBANY, N.Y. – UFCW Locals 1, 338 RWDSU, 342, 1500, and RWDSU released a poll from GBAO Strategies that shows bipartisan support among New Yorkers for banning electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and surveillance pricing in grocery stores.
This technology enables corporations to exploit shoppers’ personal data to set individualized prices that can change in the blink of an eye. This comes as New York state lawmakers, led by Senator Michael Gianaris (D-12) and Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages (D-22), consider legislation to ban these practices and technologies.
Presidents of UFCW Locals 1, 338 RWDSU/UFCW, 342, 1500, and the RWDSU, which represent retail grocery workers in New York, said:
“Our members know the dangers that electronic shelf labels pose to consumers and grocery workers alike. This poll confirms that the majority of New Yorkers understand the same thing.
“Grocery prices in our state are among the highest in the country. The last thing shoppers need is to have personal data like their zip code or shopping habits used to squeeze every last dollar out of their pockets. We’re proud to support the lawmakers pushing to protect New Yorkers from this predatory technology.”
UFCW International Vice President Ademola Oyefeso said: “Shoppers across New York are already facing record-high grocery prices. Electronic shelf labels, with their ability to change prices at a moment’s notice, threaten to drive up costs even higher.
“This poll confirms that New Yorkers understand just how dangerous this technology is and expect their elected officials, regardless of political party, to take action. The UFCW applauds the lawmakers who are standing up for consumers and workers, and urges the entire legislature to make these bills law before the end of session.”
New York is among 12 states to have joined the UFCW’s “Affordable Groceries and Good Jobs Campaign” to ban the predatory practice of surveillance pricing, target the encroachment of AI-driven technology in grocery stores, and deliver fair prices for families while preserving good, union grocery jobs.
