I wonder whether part of the motivation for stores to deploy self-checkout is to prevent unionization/as a bargaining chip with unions. Even if you deploy just

I wonder whether part of the motivation for stores to deploy self-checkout is to prevent unionization/as a bargaining chip with unions. Even if you deploy just a few self-checkout in stores, it serves as a constant message to the workers that the company might start firing people in favour of machines if they demand too much. Even if self-checkout results in more theft or other issues, some companies may figure that is worthwhile to keep the workforce in line.