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Amazon is reinstating metal detector screenings for its 750,000 US-based hourly warehouse employees, marking a return to pre-pandemic security measures.
The company is also introducing a phone registration system to track personal devices, according to a Bloomberg report.
The retail giant has begun notifying employees at select test locations, with plans to expand the measures across all US warehouses. Under the updated policy, workers will be required to pass through metal detectors before leaving their facilities to ensure no unauthorized items are removed.
Additionally, employees must register their phones by providing the last six digits of their serial numbers in exchange for an identifying sticker.
An Amazon spokesperson emphasized that the changes are part of ongoing efforts to enhance workplace security, saying: "We're always working to make our facilities more safe and secure for our employees and for all companies of all sizes that put their trust in us to store their inventory."
Legal history and past employee concerns
Metal detector screenings are not new at Amazon facilities, having been a routine procedure before the pandemic. They were met with resistance from workers, however, who challenged the policy in court, arguing that time spent in security lines - sometimes up to 25 minutes - should be compensated. In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled that Amazon was not required to pay employees for time spent undergoing security checks.
Beyond screening protocols, Amazon also previously restricted employee access to personal phones during shifts, requiring them to be stored in lockers or vehicles. This policy was temporarily relaxed during the pandemic, as workers sought real-time updates on medical and family matters.
Implications for workplace security and employee relations
The return of the screening protocols shows that Amazon’s focus on loss prevention and facility security is still a primary concern for the online shopping giant, but it may also reignite concerns over employee experience. While the company aims to deter theft and improve operational oversight, workforce reactions will be a key factor in the long-term success of the measures.
For HR and business leaders, Amazon’s renewed stance raises broader questions about balancing security with employee trust and satisfaction. As companies across industries evaluate their own workplace security policies, Amazon’s approach serves as a high-profile case study in managing workforce screening protocols while navigating legal and employee relations challenges.
