Amazon Reinstitutes Metal Detector Screenings for Warehouse Employees
In a move signaling a return to pre-pandemic security protocols, Amazon has announced the reimplementation of metal detector screenings for its approximately 750,000 hourly warehouse employees across the United States. This initiative, as reported by Bloomberg, also involves a new requirement for workers to register their mobile phones upon entry.
Introduction of New Security Measures
Beginning Monday, the company initiated communications to employees at select warehouses regarding these changes, which include the registration of phones and the use of metal detectors. This phased approach will see the policy tested in select locations before being rolled out to all U.S. warehouses.
Details of the New Security Policy
Under this updated security policy, employees will need to pass through metal detectors when exiting Amazon warehouses to confirm they have not removed any items. For phone registration, workers will be required to provide the last six digits of their phone’s serial number, which will then be exchanged for an identifying sticker.
Rationale Behind the Policy Change
An Amazon spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing safety and security for employees as well as for businesses that rely on Amazon’s storage services. “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,” the spokesperson stated in an email to Bloomberg.
Historical Context
Metal detector screenings were standard practice in Amazon warehouses prior to the pandemic but faced substantial criticism from employees. In 2014, warehouse workers filed lawsuits challenging the screenings, claiming they spent significant time waiting in line—up to 25 minutes—to be checked, which led to allegations of unpaid wages. Subsequently, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the workers, stating they were not entitled to compensation for this time.
Previous Phone Policy and Its Relaxation
Before the pandemic, Amazon had a strict policy prohibiting employees from accessing personal phones during work hours, requiring them to leave devices in their vehicles or lockers. However, in response to increased demand for real-time communication about health and safety, the company relaxed this rule during the pandemic.
Amazon’s Workforce and Operations
As of 2023, Amazon operates 110 warehouses across the U.S., with some facilities covering up to one million square feet. The company is recognized as the second-largest employer in the world, following Walmart, with a global workforce of around 1.5 million employees, according to Statista.
Conclusion
As Amazon embarks on this new chapter of workplace security protocols, the reinstatement of metal detector screenings and phone registration underscores the ongoing balance the company seeks to achieve between operational security and employee welfare.
