To reduce labour costs, the retail sector has replaced full-time workers
with part-time employees, adopted electronic technology, and reorganized
schedules and tasks. These transformations of the labour process have increases
the threat of ergonomic problems. The increasing pace of work combined with
the physical demands of the new technology all place workers at greater risk of
injury. This study examines how changing working conditions are linked to
feminization of the retail workforce.
Information from questionnaires completed by cashiers in Toronto
grocery stores and from semi-structured interviews with store managers are
used to explore the social composition of the workforce, workers' and managers'
awareness of ergonomic issues, and hiring practices. The majority of cashiers are
voung women under the age of 25, many of whom still live with their parents.
Although many cashiers suffer from musculoskeletal problems, particularly in
the neck, shoulders, and lower back, most are not aware of ergonomic risks.
They view their jobs as convenient, temporary employment. Managers reinforce
these views by recruiting informally and through their preferences for a young
female workforce that is easy to train and less likely to suffer injuries. Young
women emerge as the ideal flexible workforce, adaptable and trainable workers
willing to work for low wages as needed.
To reduce labour costs, the retail sector has replaced full-time workers
with part-time employees, adopted electronic technology, and reorganized
schedules and tasks. These transformations of the labour process have increases
the threat of ergonomic problems. The increasing pace of work combined with
the physical demands of the new technology all place workers at greater risk of
injury. This study examines how changing working conditions are linked to
feminization of the retail workforce.
Information from questionnaires completed by cashiers in Toronto
grocery stores and from semi-structured interviews with store managers are
used to explore the social composition of the workforce, workers' and managers'
awareness of ergonomic issues, and hiring practices. The majority of cashiers are
voung women under the age of 25, many of whom still live with their parents.
Although many cashiers suffer from musculoskeletal problems, particularly in
the neck, shoulders, and lower back, most are not aware of ergonomic risks.
They view their jobs as convenient, temporary employment. Managers reinforce
these views by recruiting informally and through their preferences for a young
female workforce that is easy to train and less likely to suffer injuries. Young
women emerge as the ideal flexible workforce, adaptable and trainable workers
willing to work for low wages as needed.
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