AFL-CIO report warns electronic shelf labels could cost jobs, raise grocery prices

AFL-CIO Tech Institute analysis warns universal adoption of electronic shelf labels in US grocery stores could eliminate tens of thousands of jobs and $1.6bn-$6.9bn in wages, while enabling surveillance pricing that raises consumer costs. The report calls for a ban, but no regulatory action is imminent; the claim is based on manufacturer marketing materials and union analysis, so the magnitude is uncertain.