Minnesota, Georgia, and Iowa Join UFCW’s National Campaign to Ban Surveillance Pricing on Groceries

State Legislators Lead Bills to Lower Grocery Prices and Protect Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, legislators from Minnesota, Georgia, and Iowa joined the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union's "Affordable Groceries and Good Jobs Campaign" to ban the predatory practice of "surveillance pricing," target the encroachment of AI-driven technology in grocery stores, and deliver fair prices for families while preserving good, union grocery jobs. This comes as Walmart patents new technologies to enable algorithms to set prices and automatically change prices on customers.

Minnesota State Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura (DFL-63A) said:

"In the face of Big Tech rushing recklessly to adopt predatory AI tactics, we must strengthen our regulations to protect consumers and workers. I'm focused on passing legislation that prioritizes affordable groceries for families and good union jobs over corporate profits. We can't let technology take over our livelihoods and bank accounts without a fight!"

Georgia State Rep. Sam Park (D-107) said:

"No Georgian should pay more for milk, bread, or baby formula because an algorithm profiled them. The Georgia Surveillance Pricing Act draws a clear line: retailers cannot use personal data to discriminate on price. This is basic consumer protection updated for the age of AI - and it ensures that the rise of AI in retail serves workers and families rather than exploits them. Georgia's workers and families deserve this protection, and it's time for our state to step up."

Iowa State Sen. Zach Wahls (D-43) said:

"Iowans are already getting squeezed at the grocery store, and the last thing we need is big retailers turning our shopping habits into a weapon to jack up costs. This bill bans surveillance pricing in retail food stores, so a company can't use your personal data to quietly change the price on the shelf just for you, based on what it thinks you'll pay. If you're in the aisle to buy something your family relies on, the price should be the price-period."

UFCW International Vice President Ademola Oyefeso said:

Email [email protected] to speak with a spokesperson about the threat that surveillance pricing and electronic shelf labels pose to fair grocery prices and good, union jobs.

BACKGROUND

• In addition to Minnesota, Georgia, and Iowa, state legislators in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Oklahoma, Washington, Arizona, Nebraska, Maryland, and Tennessee have introduced the UFCW's surveillance pricing and electronic shelf label (ESL) legislation. Throughout 2026, more states will introduce this legislation.

• At the federal level, the Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act has been introduced in the U.S. House and Senate.

• ESLs also threaten the livelihoods of grocery workers. These systems could replace the skilled work of grocery clerks or, at the very least, leave them to explain a company's actions to rightfully angry shoppers. The UFCW represents more than 800,000 grocery workers across North America. UFCW members are essential to keeping our communities fed, and they know how disruptive ESLs could be for workers and shoppers alike.

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The UFCW International is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.2 million workers and their families in grocery, meatpacking, food processing, health care, cannabis, retail, and other essential industries. UFCW members serve our communities in all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at ufcw.org.