Factory workers in France have labeled social distancing ‘dog collars’ as an “attack on individual liberty” as employers are trying to make them wear the devices to enforce restrictions while working.
Social distancing alarms cause a stink at French hygiene firm
A global maker of wipes and toilet paper has created a stink among its French employees after asking them to carry a device that goes off if they violate social distancing rules in the workplace.
The personal alarm system emits a warning sound of 85 decibels -- about the same as a lawnmower -- if the wearer gets too close to a colleague, according to outraged union representatives at the group.
It is set to be trialled at the French sites of personal hygiene specialist Essity, a Swedish company that makes hand soap, tissues, sanitary products and napkins.
The CFDT union denounced the alarms as "a system comparable to ones that try to dissuade dogs from barking," adding that it would be stressful and "infantilising" for employees.
Reached for comment at the company's headquarters, spokesman Karl Stoltz told AFP that "it is just tested in France".
Employees have been told that the alarms are for their own safety and that the devices will be deactivated in the company canteen, toilets …