Self-Checkout Restrictions: Union Push or Crime Prevention?

Self-checkout machines are facing growing restrictions across the U.S. In recent months, at least six states have considered legislation to limit or ban automated checkout in grocery stores. The movement spans political lines, with proposals in blue states like Connecticut and red states like Ohio. Two California cities have already implemented self-checkout limits, and New York City is now considering similar restrictions.

These bills are often presented as a way to reduce retail theft and protect grocery store workers. However, a closer look at the proposed rules reveals a different motivation: increasing unionized employment. For example, a Connecticut bill would require stores to staff one employee for every two self-checkout machines, plus one manual checkout station for every two automated lanes. Stores would be capped at eight self-checkout lanes, and designated supervisors could not perform other duties simultaneously.

Similar legislation in other states follows the same pattern. A previous version of California’s self-checkout bill mandated that stores conduct an impact assessment before implementing technology that could eliminate jobs or alter essential functions. This requirement effectively forces grocers to maintain higher staffing levels.

Union Support Drives the Push for Restrictions

The grocery industry has historically had higher unionization rates than other retail sectors. By restricting self-checkout, these bills would translate into more unionized jobs. The primary backers of these proposals are labor unions:

• The AFL-CIO, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) submitted all legislative testimony in favor of Connecticut’s self-checkout restrictions.
• A CalMatters analysis found that most sponsors and supporters of California’s self-checkout bill were labor unions.
• News coverage of these bills frequently features quotes from UFCW representatives advocating for restrictions.

The push to limit self-checkout dates back to at least 2019, when unions in Oregon proposed a ballot measure to cap grocery stores at two self-checkout lanes per location.

Do Self-Checkout Machines Increase Theft?

While proponents cite theft reduction as a key goal, evidence suggests self-checkout may contribute to higher shoplifting rates. A frequently cited study found that inventory shrink—losses due to theft, fraud, or error—was 16 times more likely in stores with self-checkout compared to traditional cashiers. Additionally, a LendingTree survey reported that 27% of self-checkout users admit to intentionally stealing items.

"The real driver behind these bills isn’t theft prevention—it’s job preservation for unionized grocery workers." — Industry analyst