AFL-CIO NEW REPORT | Priced Out, Pushed Out: Electronic Shelf Labels Raise Prices and Shrink Paychecks

The AFL-CIO Technology Institute has released a new report examining the impact of electronic shelf labels (ESLs) on workers and consumers: “Priced Out, Pushed Out: Electronic Shelf Labels Raise Prices and Shrink Paychecks.”

 The report finds that if ESLs were universally adopted across U.S. grocery stores, the technology could cost workers up to $6.9 billion in lost wages and hours and mean as much as 191,000 fewer jobs.

 ESLs can do more than change prices automatically.  When connected to algorithmic pricing systems and consumer data, they can enable rapid price changes and create opportunities for surveillance or dynamic pricing.  This report provides important data for policymakers and labor advocates working to ensure that technological innovation strengthens — not undermines — the working class.

September 8, 2026 | Sunny Glottmann & Kimberly Cosby