Supermarket drops fingerprint clock-in system

A fingerprint reading machine. File picture / Bay of Plenty Times

A supermarket chain has backtracked on plans for a fingerprint-based clock-in system.

National Distribution Union Secretary Laila Harre said a new option - allowing workers the option of typing in a PIN - was given after a New World Motueka store's plan received a great deal of publicity.

Ms Harre said the union had also received complaints from workers at other stores where the technology had been introduced without their consent.

She said the union would be following up the complaints and encouraging workers to become active in demanding consultation.

TVNZ's Close Up reported last week that New World owner Foodstuffs said the system was being used in about 20 supermarkets.

The Motueka New World had collected most of its staff's fingerprints in recent weeks.

Supermarket manager Bruce Miller had told staff they had to supply their fingerprints in order to be clocked in and out, suggesting they would not otherwise be paid, Close Up reported.

Employee Keely-Anne Robinson told TVNZ last week: "I think they've taken advantage of a small chain of people, people that really need their jobs. I think they've taken advantage of them and just ushered them in like a whole bunch of sheep because they won't say anything."

- NZPA, HERALD ONLINE STAFF