Albertsons worker honored for efforts to limit self-checkout

Retailers often see self-checkout stands as a way to increase store profits and improve customer convenience.

But Connie Matson of Lewiston believes the technology has a down side, reducing jobs and the quality of customer service.

Matson has been honored by United Vision for Idaho as Labor Leader of the Year in part for her efforts to limit the use of self- checkouts at the Lewiston Albertsons where she works as a checker.

Matson, shop steward for the local of United Food and Commercial Workers at Lewiston Albertsons, has also fought for fair treatment of her co-workers in their dealings with supervisors, said Roger Sherman, program director for United Vision for Idaho in Boise.

Part of what makes Matson stand out is that her advocacy extends beyond the confines of her own workplace, Sherman said.

Matson has assisted Moscow police officers in their so-far unsuccessful efforts to organize, Sherman said.

In addition, she serves as secretary/treasurer of the Lewis-Clark Central Labor Council.

United Vision for Idaho is a coalition of union, conservation, minority and religious groups that promote civil and human rights.

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