jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

When they were first introduced, I avoided self-service cash checkouts because I thought they were taking jobs from people. I know someone who works in retail, and these DIY stations are not putting people out of work. In his store, it's not unusual for half a dozen people to just not show up for work. Maybe they will call and say they're coming in, but generally, they just don't show up. One day last week, there was only one person available to work a register. Without the DIY stations, they would have had a major problem. The store is paying a decent salary, well above the minimum. People don't show up, or they take extended breaks and lunches. This behavior covers all age ranges, from young to old. I can't understand it. I was in a supermarket last week, and only one register was open. A manager said that five people had called in "sick."

When I was in high school, I worked in a supermarket, and people showed up on time and did their work. We could count on each other to keep things flowing smoothly. So, don't turn your nose up at these self-service checkouts. They exist for your convenience.

al13

75 years old, retired from three different entities and can say that I was never late for work and thankfully very few instances where I called in sick. I collected nicely on unused sick leave at all three which was a nice bonus. Times are not the same.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

That is good food for thought, Jerry.

Largobob

Our society has changed, Jerry. The work-ethic that we grew up with, is less prevalent today. Millennials whine....Liberals draw attention away from our Constitutional heritage...and spend inordinate amounts of time focused on non-productive issues. I personally like the scan-your-own checkout registers.

marine73 Loc: Modesto California

Personally I hate self checkout, it provides people a reason for not showing up for work and also provides a greater opportunity for someone to steal from a company that has these. The only reason to have these stations is to increase the bottom line for the company because they don't have to pay wages or benefits.

I don't know where al13 worked that he got paid for his sick time when he retired but my company doesn't pay out for unused sick time and they threaten termination when ever you do use it.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

The basic minimum wage should be zero, you should be paid based on your skill level. As overhead rises automation takes over, especially with the increase in minimum wage in fast food industry.

Largobob

al13

I was very fortunate to have been employed by all three entities and that was a while back. None of the three have continued that practice and dropped their defined benefit plan which didn’t affect me. I consider myself to be very fortunate.

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

Maybe somewhat, jerry but if you read their annual reports you may see just a little bragging about cutting costs. Sometimes it's amazing what they are telling their customers as opposed to what they are telling their shareholders!

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Lets all slow down!!

agillot

my mega walmart store has no cash registers open until 7.30 AM .they are open 24 hours !!!!.only self check .so when i show up at 7am with a full cart , i go to the return counter , and they manage to find someone to open number 16 cash register so i can go home .

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

The present-day work ethic is just another sign that we live in a doomed nation.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I have no problem using self checkout, but I only use it if there's a line for the existing manned checkouts. I figure if I use the people doing the checkout they will continue to be useful and have jobs. If everyone uses the self checkout they lose work. But if there's a line for them I figure they have work.

I frequently see a line at the self checkout.

Doddy Loc: Barnard Castle-England

The same attitude exists over here, unfortunately!

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Why have a work ethic when you are treated as a child until your mid twenties. Then you still don't get paid any more, as 'minimum wage' is now endemic.

You have a zero hours contract and no benefits. Your Employer's contribution to your pension can be as little as 1% of your income just so long as the last place you worked stays in business. Your 'interest' will be subject to the state of the stock market. Your pension pays out only if you live to be 70 in the UK at the moment - but may disappear at any time. (Too Many have already)

You have no 'employment rights' as no-one is available to prosecute those that breach even 'Human rights'. The few Unions we have left are for full time 'Local Government Employees'. Odd that....as it was the government that stated 'Unions' were bad....and encouraged their dismantlement!

The reason we have so many people on a pro-rata rate working just 16 hours a week is so that they cannot bump up the Benefits rate (which is based upon 20 hours a week).

People in work now use the 'free food banks'.

OUR GENERATION DOES NOTHING ABOUT IT.......which is the biggest shame of all!

so enjoy your self service....continue to make 'rules' as to when you tip.....and 'wonder why' youngsters live 'in a world of their own'.....Reality stinks.

That's my rant over.