Exploring the Effects of Technological Change on the Changing Nature of Precarious Work in the South African Retail Sector: The Case study of SACCAWU in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Technological change has significantly transformed and continues to shape various sectors, with the retail sector being no exception. The retail sector is going through a significant transition because of technological change brought about by advancements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). This research explored the effects of technological change on the changing nature of work, focusing specifically on precarious work within the South African retail sector. Adopting a qualitative research approach and interpretive paradigm, the research utilised structured and semi-structured interviews to collect data from twenty respondents, members of the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) who voluntarily participated in the research. The respondents, selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques, worked in different departments at Makro, Builders, Melbro Wholesale, and Pick and Pay. Their roles included positions in receiving, management, human resources, front-end, liquor, general merchandise, food development, and telesales. The research was conducted in the eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, and employed thematic analysis to examine and interpret the data collected from respondents. The analysis revealed that the technological innovations identified by the respondents such as mobile tills, green light technology, digital payment systems, chat applications, online shopping, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) are affecting the nature of work and exacerbating existing precarious work conditions. Technological advancements in the retail sector have led to substantial disruptions, resulting in greater labour flexibility and increased instability in employment contracts, wages, and job roles. Workers now face more unpredictable, insecure, and lower-paying conditions, creating a dual-tiered system that divides permanent workers from precarious, non-permanent positions. The research notes that the findings reflect the perspectives and views of the twenty respondents specifically, rather than representing the entire retail sector, due to the non-representative nature of the sample. Insights from the twenty respondents underline the urgent need for continuous training for workers, employers, and trade unions to adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by technological change. The research highlights the importance of collaboration between trade unions and employers to address precarious work and improve working conditions. It also recommends establishing research and development units within trade unions to better understand and address the effects of technological change to foster a more equitable and inclusive retail sector.