Originally Posted By: Lawn_Care
Originally Posted By: Garak
You do know that before the refrigerator became commonplace, there were things called iceboxes and ice delivery men. They, too, claimed that the refrigerator was a ploy to make their job redundant.
Understood, Garak. Problem is - when the idea was passed on to Wal-mart's associates (my wife is a 15-year employee there), it was mentioned in their company meeting that the self-checkout lanes would reduce the number of needed cashiers. They were told this - point blank from the District Manager from Bentonville, Arkansas (corp. office) who was visiting that morning.
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, etc....
I realise this is not always the case, and you're correct - many times the self-checkout lane is much quicker and more convenient. But when being told from the top down that the direct reason was to cut back on staffing (and schedule fewer hours for the cashiers they already have), that makes a statement. I, for one, will not support a move like that, even if it means shopping somewhere else.
Not sure what all this has to do with "Oil at Walmart" or why the mods haven't locked this thread yet, but as in the case of my employer, through normal staffing attrition rates, the emergence of efficiency initiatives, automation, and overall stream-lining; those who wish to remain employed, don't loose their jobs. In many cases, the more senior employees who've had ample time to demonstrate their value and ability to learn higher level positions are transitioned in to those jobs.
This isn't ONLY a Walmart thing, this is the global economy we find ourselves in today and it's very competitive. Just like the companies and businesses we're employed for, if we become complacent and not competitive, we find ourselves in a compromised position.
