More Employers Scanning Workers' Hands

Biometric Technology Replacing Timecards; Employers Tout Efficiency, Unions Cry Foul

(AP)  Some workers are doing it at Dunkin' Donuts, at Hilton hotels, even at Marine Corps bases.

Employees at a growing number of businesses are starting and ending their days by pressing a hand or finger to a scanner that logs the precise time of their arrival and departure - information that is automatically reflected in payroll records.

Manufacturers say these biometric devices improve efficiency and streamline payroll operations. Employers big and small buy them with the dual goals of keeping workers honest and automating outdated record-keeping systems that rely on paper time sheets.

The new systems have raised complaints, however, from some workers who see the efforts to track their movements as excessive or creepy.

"They don't even have to hire someone to harass you anymore. The machine can do it for them," said Ed Ott, executive director of the New York City Central Labor Council of the AFL-CIO. "The palm print thing really grabs people as a step too far."

The International Biometric Group, a consulting firm, estimated that $635 million worth of these high-tech devices were sold last year, and projects that the industry will be worth more than $1 billion by 2011.

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, a leading manufacturer of hand scanners based in Campbell, California, said it has sold at least 150,000 of the devices to Dunkin' Donuts and McDonald's franchises, Hilton hotels and to Marine Corps bases, who use them to track civilian hours.

Protests over using palm scanners to log employee time have been especially loud in New York City, where officials are spending $410 million to install an automated attendance tracking system that may eventually be used by 160,000 city workers.

Scores of civil servants who are members of Local 375 of the Civil Service Technical Guild rallied Tuesday against a plan to add the city medical examiner's office to the list of 17 city agencies which already have the scanners in place.

The scanners have rankled draftsmen, planners and architects in the city's Parks Department, which began using them last year.

"Psychologically, I think it has had a huge impact on the work force here because it is demeaning and because it's a system based on mistrust," said Ricardo Hinkle, a landscape architect who designs city parks.

He called the timekeeping system a bureaucratic intrusion on professionals who never used to think twice about putting in extra time on a project they cared about, and could rely on human managers to exercise a little flexibility on matters regarding work hours.

"The creative process isn't one that punches in and punches out," he said.

A spokesman for Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Matthew Kelly, said the system is not meant to be intrusive and has clear benefits over old-style punch clocks or paper time sheets.

The city expects to save $60 million per year by modernizing a complicated record keeping system that now requires one full-time timekeeper for every 100 to 250 employees. The new system, dubbed CityTime, would free up thousands of city employees to do less paper-pushing.

Another benefit of the system is curtailing fraud. Several times each year, New York City's Department of Investigation charges city employees with taking unauthorized time off and falsifying timecards to make it looked as though they worked.

Other cities have embraced similar technology.

Cities as big as Chicago and as small as Tahlequah, Oklahoma, have turned to fingerprint-driven ID systems to record employee work hours in recent few years. And the systems have been introduced into plenty of other workplaces without much grumbling by employees, especially those already used to punching a clock.

But the New York workers are not the first to fight it. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees complained vigorously two years ago after the city of Pittsburgh proposed installing fingerprint readers.

"We had a lot of questions, a lot of concerns, and so far they haven't put it in," said AFCME Council 84 Director Richard Caponi.

Jon Mooney, Ingersoll Rand's general manger of biometrics, said the privacy concerns are unfounded. The hand scanners do not keep large databases of people's fingerprints - only a record of their hand shape, he said.

Still, union officials in New York said they are concerned that the machines could eventually be used not just to crack down on employees skipping work, but to nitpick honest workers or invade their privacy.

"The bottom line is that these palm scanners are designed to exercise more control over the workforce," said Claude Fort, president of Local 375. "They aren't there for security purposes. It has nothing to do with productivity... It is about control, and that is what makes us nervous."

[vtx101]

Why are people, especially unions, crying about showing up to work on time? If you don''t want to go to work, go to welfare.

[caeric]

It''s a friggin timeclock for crying out loud. It''s not like you have to scan in and out every time you leave your desk or go to the bathroom. It automates what can be a tedious task, and with the right software the flexibility concerns are a non-issue as a supervisor can make individual adjustments.

[sistatee-2009]

It wouldn''t be so bad if the machine didn''t scan your hand say, "You need to lose weight."

[mcvet]

It''''s a friggin timeclock for crying out loud. It''''s not like you have to scan in and out every time you leave your desk or go to the bathroom. It automates what can be a tedious task, and with the right software the flexibility concerns are a non-issue as a supervisor can make individual adjustments.


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Posted by Caeric at 05:55 AM : Mar 27, 2008
+ report abuse

ROFLMAO Did you see the story about Walmart taking a former employee in a NURSING HOME to court, took EVERY dollar she had and more? Yeah Corporate America will use this ONLY for the things you listed... ROFLMAO If you buy that one I have some land to sell. Sieg Heil

[foghamar]

I am a union member and proudly so. Most of the career path positions I have held have been part of professional unions. I have virtually always been a salaried employee, which means that I often show up to work an hour early and leave an hour late - for no additional pay. Frankly, union workers are generally hard working people who keep the world running for those who don''t like unions. Consider...taking out your own garbage to the dump, fixing your own roads when they have potholes, etc., etc. The argument regarding the hand scan is one of intrusiveness - an Orwellian sort of element, not reporting to work on time.

[hypnotoad72]

Just another way for people to give ''em the finger, I suppose.

[j_flood]

I remember Ronald Reagan quoting an old Russian proverb: "Trust, but verify".

As a professional used to flexible settings - work extra today - take time for a haircut tomorrow - hate to see that lost.

Claiming "Big Brother" is baseless - being held to an agreed standard is okay.

[piercetheval]

singinrick...don''t you know that 666 = www? The Hebrews didn''t use Arabic numerals but a letter equivilent, as did the Romans.
If I were an employee at one of these businesses I would have to say to my employer...SCAN THIS FINGER!

[slim1h2o]

-Which is exactly what anti-Christ will force upon the land. Worship him, or lose everything you have or die.

Posted by singinrick at 08:01 AM : Mar 27, 2008

The Anti-Christ is most definetly is the present day Health care system, and Doctors, under your stipulations.

[slim1h2o]

Would socialized health care (what the Democrats are pushing)fall more in line with what you are saying?
POsted by singingrick

It''s better than what we have now! Or do you not care that there are millions that need health care, which are being turned away. While losing their livily hood,,or homes to the present un-Godly system.

And I''m talking about hard working American citizens, not illegals.

[radiob-2009]

This is about "control" pure and simple of a employees time and "pyschologoligally" about control of their being. Think this is bad, in order to enter my job, one must possess a "key" that is specifically assigned to the employee, show ones badge after entering, then in order to "clock" in one has to enter a number, then their hand is scanned, then their eye is scanned. Welcome to 1984.

[btree50]

Are you afraid you cant cheat the system? Whats the big deal? An employer has the right to do this if they want to. If you dont like it, start your own business and you wont have to.

[slim1h2o]

Posted by radiob at 08:28 AM : Mar 27, 2008

I agree with your assessment. Employers are trying to marginalise employees.

[radiob-2009]

Big brother.


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Posted by singinrick

Big Brother walks down the aisle hand in hand with both political parties.

[pwdebbie]

Is this technology any different than that which is used by Disney at its parks? People willingly have their finger scanned there in order to gain entrance to the parks.

[omega39-2009]

Seems like an excellent way to spread cold and flu germs.

[radiob-2009]

Seems like an excellent way to spread cold and flu germs.


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Posted by omega39

Not a fan of the technology, however at my job the "scanners" are cleaned throughout the day .

[newsterl]

I dont see what the big deal is, this is no different than the 150+ year old punch-in mechanical style time card system where a clock imprints the time on a card- hel1, that stuff was used in factories and industries of all kinds everywhere. The tracking your movement at work is what a payroll time sheet/card/scan was designed for- so you get paid for the time you WORK.
With the mechanical cards in a big factory a guy could have a buddy punch his card in and out for him and no one would even notice the guy wasn''t there.

"order to "clock" in one has to enter a number, then their hand is scanned, then their eye is scanned. Welcome to 1984.
Posted by radiob"

Welcome to Logans Run and Soylent Green, this and all problems we face today ALL comes about because of OVERPOPULATION.
If you want to go into the ''antichrist'' garbage, better read about BUSH; www.bushisantichrist.com

[omega39-2009]

Are you afraid you cant cheat the system? Whats the big deal? An employer has the right to do this if they want to. If you dont like it, start your own business and you wont have to.

Posted by btree50

I heard the same bleating in the 80''s when it was so decided that the right to be protected from unreasonable searches didn''t preclude employers from analyzing your urine, blood, hair and saliva.

[lloydbest1]

Posted by radiob at 08:28 AM : Mar 27, 2008
Good grief, radio, what kind of an outfit do you work for!? The only justification for that kind of stuff''n''nonsense would be in a top secret or national security environment.

[lloydbest1]

Posted by btree50 at 08:28 AM : Mar 27, 2008
Gaming the system isn''t the point. It is a matter of trust. The scanner is as unequivocal a way of saying "we do not trust our workers" as anything could possibly be. In my experience employees are a lot more trustworthy than the outfits they work for, anyway. I guess I can''t blame the company. After all, neither I nor any of my peers or even managers trust ours much - if at all.
And you know what''s really sad?. None of this advesarial one-upmanship is necessary. Workers generally want to do a good job. It''s more than just money; it about self respect. It''s about knowing that at the end of the day, you did your best. It''s about "Da Man" recognizing your contribution and rewarding you for it; not just the paycheck or bennie package, but the pat on the back; the occassional take-the-crew-out-to-lunch thing; the $25 or so gift certificate for going above and beyond. It''s about knowing the company cares about you as an individual. We don''t see so much of that nowadays. I''ve been in the workforce for more than 40 years and I have seen all those intangibles that make a corporation worth working for take a beating.
Yeah, The hand scan or eyeball wipe may stop the few cheaters who slip by. But they invariably get caught, anyway. I just don''t see how this extra layer of accountability will help bring back the mutual trust and respect our factories need to be successful and our economy to be strong.

[anopinion1]

piercetheval,

I would definitely seek employment elsewhere if I worked for a company that was implimenting this, for sure.

Posted by singinrick at 08:06 AM : Mar 27, 2008

WHOA WHOA WHOA NOW!!! I thought you and god were tight, mister bible?? And wow, when did you become a complete lunatic btw. I know you have always gone off on the christianity but man you are preaching about the antichrist coming out of nowhere ***. That said, so what if the "antichrist" knows where you are at any moment anyway you have accepted your boy jesus into your heart, Do you not feel comfortable with that or what???
C-mon people its a freaking scanner. Unless you have commited some atrositys in the past and possibly left some prints at the crime scene, you will be fine. lmao
Maybe rick has a darker past then we all knew, and now he is trying darndest to get back on his boy''s good side.

[btree50]

" heard the same bleating in the 80''''s when it was so decided that the right to be protected from unreasonable searches didn''''t preclude employers from analyzing your urine, blood, hair and saliva. "

Like I said, you dont like it, start your own business and then you dont have to deal with it.

[accfan4eva]

Our manufacturing business of 80 employees implemented this system 5 years ago. Once in place, employees were fired for tardiness, absenteeism, etc. In a plant facility such as ours, it is not possible, nor economically logical to have a "baby sitter" sit by the time clock to ensure that a fellow co-worker does not punch another employee''s card. Before this system, we had paid employees for many hours when they were not even present at our facility.

Let''s be honest, the people who do not like this system, are the ones who are angered by the fact that they will no longer be able to cheat their employer. If our society was honest and worked the time they were reporting, then employers would not be going to the expense nor the trouble to implement this system. Many people in our society want as much as they can for doing as little as they want. Reality stinks, but our economical standing leaves employers no choice than to put in computerized baby sitters for those who are lazy and think they can outsmart their employer.

[gheemaster38]

Which is exactly what anti-Christ will force upon the land. Worship him, or lose everything you have or die.
Posted by singinrick

Sounds like the anti-christ is already walking amongst us then. They are known as commerce, government and some religions-all gathered together to reach in our pockets, restrict our rights, and force us to bend and serve there will and purpose through threats and intimidation.

[texanforlogi]

OK, we have this technology--why can''t it be used on our bank accounts and credit cards to prevent identity theft?

[newsterl]

hich is exactly what anti-Christ will force upon the land. Worship him, or lose everything you have or die.

Posted by singinrick (TruthWord08)(sickrick)

Your SS number/ID is required to WORK, without either a SS card and number, a birth certificate or drivers license you cant get a job, open a bank account, get a Visa card, buy a house, join the military etc- its been that way for many many years, this is nothing new and came about because of identity fraud.

With sickricks scare and intimidation tactics he wants you to quit your job- then you REALLY wont be able to buy anything and lose your house and everything else- self fulfilling that prophesy of his.
Most people dont need ricks depressing condemnations, intimidation, fear and scare tactics as he thwapps people upside the head with his book over and over in here.
You and your scriptures MUST be about the most depressing entities around, no kidding, in a bad economy with people losing homes etc he''s in here with his scare tactics and now this antikrist krap. His sidekick jerkaboner even posted about ''multidemtional beings'' (demons) watching all of us invisibly---oohhhh scary!

[barbaraf4]

Has anyone noticed that the US is outsourcing the production of US Passports to Thailand? It is on CNN right now.

[jasynl1977]

I think the issue is simply not about whether employers should keep track of their employees. For people who work minimum wage, this would be fine (Wal-Mar, MacDonald''s, etc.). The problem is, apparently, that they are also imposing this on middle-class professionals who never had to punch in or out before. If you are a salaried employee, that means you do not get paid for overtime. You''re expected to work extra hours and weekends, if needed, to get the job done. These are people who are not accustomed to the whole "time-clock" mentality. Frankly, that kind of mentality is not good for business, because then people are only concerned about "Doing their time" rather than what they do. As the article says, these are "professionals who never used to think twice about putting in extra time on a project they cared about, and could rely on human managers to exercise a little flexibility on matters regarding work hours."

[radiob-2009]

Good grief, radio, what kind of an outfit do you work for!? The only justification for that kind of stuff''''n''''nonsense would be in a top secret or national security environment.


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Posted by LloydBest1
Nope it is being used in the private sector, logistics and supply chain .

[omega39-2009]

Your SS number/ID is required to WORK, without either a SS card and number, a birth certificate or drivers license you cant get a job, open a bank account, get a Visa card, buy a house, join the military etc- its been that way for many many years, this is nothing new and came about because of identity fraud.

Posted by newsterl

Last I heard there were 20 Million Illegal immigrants doing exactly that.

[omega39-2009]

Has anyone noticed that the US is outsourcing the production of US Passports to Thailand? It is on CNN right now.

Posted by barbaraf4

Putting sensitive information concerning citizens identities into the hands of scammers and pirates? Brilliant!!

[rushman71]

singinrick: You are correct on what you have said earlier. The scanning device that they are talking about in this article and the chip that is inserted into animals and within our hands are the beta types for what is to come.

[piano_man2]

If the company I work for implments this my work hours will be from 7:00am to 4:45pm period!!! No more free overtime to get a project completed. It will be 40 hours a week and thats it unless I am paid!!! This machine will cost them probaby 250-400 hours of free time I give them each year so this machine will cost them not me!!

[orebama]

Good grief, if you aren''t trying to hide something or trying to scam something what''s the big deal. It''s really no different than a time card. Grow up and stop being so paranoide people.

[sentry88]

Damm i cant believe noone has blamed Bush yet for these hand readers being installed

[extremophil]

I''ve had my butt scanned a couple of times by our copier. Does that count?

[sentry88]

foghamar,,I do already take my trash off anjd yes we do have pickup by what used to be BFI(big frigging idiots, but i am not paying 40 dollars a month for something i can do for around 8 to 10 dollars. and i dont charge a fuel surcharge wither. Unions at one time were great but now when your on strike for 60 to 100 days and get a 25 cent raise in pay ,,it takes a long time to make up thoise 100 days at that rate doesnt it?

[omega39-2009]

The city expects to save $60 million per year by modernizing a complicated record keeping system that now requires one full-time timekeeper for every 100 to 250 employees. The new system, dubbed CityTime, would free up thousands of city employees to do less paper-pushing.

Several years ago Walmart and Nordstrom had to pay millions of dollars to employees that were wrongfully cheated out of overtime. Those records, that used to be saved on paper, can disappear at the touch of a button the next time it happens.

[sentry88]

accfan4eva,,,,,i agree 100 percent . most of the time the ones that complain the most about something are the ones trying to hide something.

[papabc]

4 years and I can retire. No time card and no hand scanner.

BIG BROTHER WATCHES & NEVER TRUST YOU.

[sentry88]

I have long a propoent of microchipping babies, hell we do it for pets incase they are lost, hmmm let me think would i rather be able to locate my daugthers great dane puppy orrrrrrrrrrrrr one of my 3 grandkids who i love very much..........no brainer rigth?

[oscarez]

Next you will be required to give a DNA sample so they can be sure it''s YOUR hand thats being scanned.

[sentry88]

radiob and singing ric,,,,,,,,SOME OF US REALLY NEED BIG BROTHER TO WATCH US TO KEEP YOU FROM HARMING YOURSELVES.

[ivandrago]

That''s the kind that we use at my place of work. The only real problem that I have with it is that it''s very hard to remember if you''ve checked in or out. I know it sounds stupid, but it''s easy to forget when you''re rushing around. The point is the display is too simple.

[sentry88]

again nothing to hide-----------nothing to worry about if your doing somethin illeagal QUIT

[omega39-2009]

-It seems like a very innocent thing now...but eventually it will be used to control the population.

Just watch.

Posted by singinrick

Worse, since everything seems to find its way in to the hands of those who work on Madison Ave in this country, It will be used to bombard you with non stop custom tailored marketing derived from tracking your day to day activities.

[darnedsocks]

IS IT SAFE? OR IS IT RADIATING HARMFUL RAYS ON THE BONES AND THE SKIN OF THE HAND? OVER TIME, COULD IT GIVE YOU CANCER OR DIMINISH YOUR BONES AND JOINTS?

[caliengineer]

The real point of this is to acclimate people to being tracked. This is part of the NWO plan to put a tracking chip into the hand or forehead of EVERY living person. It will be required to buy or sell. If you disagree with the oligarchical dictatorship which is already in place, but largely hidden, your chip will be turned off.
This is not about convenience for employers; It is about FREEDOM for the common man everywhere!

Wake up, you sleeping stones!

[rowdytexan2]

Put a chip in your arm. If you want to have a meeting of some kind to discuss issues, they know exactly where you are, and who''s at the meeting, and very possibly could have listening abilities.

Nope, ain''t gonna work.