CCTV images are "a crucial weapon" in the fight against shoplifting, a union said.
GMB claimed the police's efforts to clamp down on retail crime are being "sabotaged" by a lack of surveillance across Glasgow.
In 2023, councillors decided to halve the number of camera operating staff and stop 24-hour-a-day monitoring.
Instead, the city's 439 CCTV devices are now monitored only between 3pm and 3am.
Ross McArthur, a senior representative at GMB, said this hindered policing.
He added: "When the alarm is raised, our members would immediately begin tracking suspects through the city centre, updating the police and other stores, and zooming in to get close-up images.
“Those detailed pictures are crucial if the case goes to court and, with many organised gangs travelling across the UK, allow other forces to identify suspects.
“Now, no one is monitoring the cameras until the shopping day is almost over, and while the footage is available later, the clear opportunity for the monitoring team to help identify and track suspects in real-time is gone.
“Shoplifters who will have been caught and prosecuted with the help of the CCTV team last year will not face the same scrutiny now.”
As the Glasgow Times exclusively revealed last week, Police Scotland aims to get tougher on retail crime in the city centre through partnerships and an increased presence.
The senior member explained that constantly monitored surveillance could add to the way officers combat offending.
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“There would be little point in shoplifters only coming out at night, for example, but the cuts mean police are fighting crime with one arm behind their back.
“Monitoring the cameras around the clock means officers and security staff get information and insight in real-time meaning their response is far quicker and more effective.”
A spokesman for the council said: “Our CCTV system provides coverage of public spaces only and will not capture any footage of shoplifting taking place within stores.
“Glasgow continues to have the most prevalent public space CCTV system of any city in the UK and the public can be assured that our CCTV cameras continue to record 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
"Cameras are positioned on priority locations throughout the city to continue providing public reassurance and safety for citizens.
"We continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure our resources are targeted at the busiest times."
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