Carrefour Israel Workers Threaten Labor Dispute Over New Surveillance Cameras

The workers' committee at Carrefour Israel has threatened to take organizational and legal action, including declaring a labor dispute, against the company's management due to the implementation of a new surveillance camera system in its stores. The committee claims the system was introduced without prior consultation with employee representatives, raising concerns about privacy and increased workplace monitoring.

The dispute escalated after the committee received videos distributed by management to store managers via WhatsApp, demonstrating the new system's operation and intended uses. These videos caused anxiety among employees and managers, who felt they were being excessively monitored, describing the atmosphere as akin to "Big Brother." One video featured outgoing CEO Michael Luboshitz commenting on the system's ability to monitor employee activity in real time, suggesting it could address operational issues such as understaffing.

The workers' committee, led by Shimon Yosef and representing the Histadrut labor federation, emphasized that employees are not criminals and should not feel threatened or surveilled but rather trusted and supported by management. They argue that operational shortcomings are the responsibility of management, not rank-and-file workers. The committee demands immediate cessation of the system's rollout, full disclosure about its purpose, viewing permissions, data storage, and usage, and an urgent meeting with company leadership and the Histadrut.

The committee plans an emergency meeting to decide on further steps and warns that if the company does not change its approach, it will pursue all available organizational and legal measures. They stressed that a successful company is built on trust, not suspicion and surveillance. Carrefour's response is pending.