'Workers before robots': New Zealand warehouse staff demand protection from automation

Hundreds of workers at The Warehouse Group's distribution centres in Auckland and Christchurch have protested against automation and workplace monitoring, raising concerns over job security and employee privacy.

According to RNZ, the protests, organised by Workers First Union, follow the introduction of stocktaking drones and goods-to-person automation at the retailer's warehouses. 

While workers fear technology could replace their jobs, the company says automation has not resulted in permanent job losses and has, in fact, created additional temporary roles.

Employees said they were worried about being replaced by machines, particularly following earlier workforce cuts. Some have worked for the company for 15 to 30 years.

One worker, who has spent 23 years at the Wiri distribution centre, said, "Do I look like a robot? No. I don't."

"We are here to protest about these things [because it should be a human doing] the job, not a robot job."

Workers First Union organiser Hayley Courtney said the union was not opposing technology but wanted safeguards, including retraining and redeployment opportunities.

"We're not trying to kill the robot or AI by any means; we're just trying to put in some protection and some mechanisms for our workers for the inevitable loss of jobs. Things like redeployment to other areas and helping them find meaningful work within the company."

The protests have also brought attention to allegations of employees being monitored over bathroom breaks. Courtney alleged that supervisors had followed workers to toilets and questioned their breaks.

"Having supervisors and managers follow people to the toilet and telling them off for a fundamental right is absolutely ludicrous."

However, the union clarified that claims of employees urinating or defecating in warehouse aisles because they were afraid to take bathroom breaks have not been confirmed.

The Warehouse Group strongly denied the allegations. Chief people officer Richard Parker said the company does not track bathroom visits.

"We are shocked and appalled by the union's claim that our team members are urinating and defecating on the floor at work. This has never happened."

Parker said the company uses scanning technology to monitor operational efficiency and employee output on a minute-by-minute basis. However, he maintained that the system is not AI-powered and has no connection to bathroom visits.

The Warehouse Group said its automation initiatives have not led to permanent job losses. Instead, the company reported three additional temporary roles in the area.

"In fact, we currently have three additional temp roles in this area."

Parker said stocktaking drones have improved inventory accuracy and workplace safety by reducing the need for employees to work at height. Meanwhile, the new automation is intended to increase warehouse capacity and efficiency.

"No employer can guarantee what roles will look like in the future, but we will always consult with our team and look to retrain and redeploy people wherever we can in line with our obligations."

Despite the company's assurances, the union continues to seek employment protections for workers as automation expands across its distribution centres.