A Woolworths worker has criticised the supermarket giant, branding it “controlling” for introducing a new rule requiring staff to log their break times.
Staff received a notice on Monday informing them that they must record when they take their meal breaks and what time their shifts begin and end.
The new “check-in practice” has been introduced to “ensure that all team members take the meal breaks they are entitled to for their health, well-being and safety.”
The move will also help stores manage their workforces properly and pay staff the correct wages.
A Woolworths worker has criticised the company for the rule change, taking to Reddit to claim the system was “micromanaging bullshit”.
“Just more control disguised as concern. If they cared about overworked employees missing breaks, they would have adequate staffing levels at all times,” they wrote.
The worker, who also uploaded a photo of the notice provided to employees, said the change would do little to prevent staff from entering incorrect break times.
Daily Mail Australia understands the system has been rolled out across 10 Woolworths stores in South Australia.
A Woolworths worker has criticised the supermarket giant for being “controlling” by introducing a new rule requiring staff to log their break times.
The system will be introduced in 100 supermarkets across the state by 29 July and is already in place at Woolworths Metro and Big W stores.
The Reddit post was filled with hundreds of comments, with social media users divided over the rule.
“They make it seem like it’s for your benefit and best interest,” one wrote.
“What a time to be an employee!” added another.
Others defended the system as an effective way to ensure staff get a break.
“This means they’ll have data on people who don’t take breaks. They won’t be able to pretend they’re not doing anything. This could be a really good thing for workers,” one wrote.
“I’m glad this is the case. It means we’ll get full breaks, not partial breaks, and if it’s partial, the timesheet will show it,” another person wrote.
A Woolworths worker said staff at his store have been told to take their breaks when told to.
Retail and Fast Food Workers Union Secretary Josh Cullinan expressed opposition to the rule, saying workers would feel as if they were being watched.
A Woolworths worker has criticised the company for the rule change, taking to Reddit to claim the system was a form of micromanagement of staff (file image)
“When a worker is afraid that his employer will know when he goes on or returns from a break, he ends up taking shorter breaks,” he said. yahoo.
Mr Cullinan said workers would not be paid for taking shorter breaks, even if they were a few minutes less than their allotted time.
A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the system was put in place to protect staff wellbeing.
“This solution is critical to ensuring transparency for our team members, allowing them to have visibility into their meal breaks and the confidence that they can take their due meal break,” the spokesperson said.
‘These types of shift systems and practices are very common in all parts of the economy and in many other sectors.’