| 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 increased 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 young 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. |
