In a large e-commerce warehouse, workers are employed to pack goods ready to be shipped to the customer. A scheduling system monitors the productivity rate of workers based on the number of items that each worker has packed per hour. The system identifies the worker with the most items per hour and uses this rate as the benchmark that all other workers are expected to exceed. The system also identifies the micro breaks staff take when they stop work for lunch, going to the bathroom or taking other breaks. During the shift, supervisors would walk the floor with an electronic device in their hand and tell workers to speed up when their packing rate drops. It appears that the system notifies supervisors which workers to approach about their performance. The company is so successful that it is making large profits. As a result, the workers are receiving bonuses in recognition for their work. Some workers though are complaining of burn out because there are little opportunities to rest or recover during the shift.

3a) In relation to the above case study, is this scheduling system, which replaces human schedulers and managers morally wrong? Briefly state why. [5 marks]

3b) Discuss your position by providing arguments FOR and AGAINST the use of this system in the workplace. Please state any assumptions in your answer. [15 marks]