Policymakers consider limits on self-checkout, backed by labor unions

Labor Unions Self-Checkout Is Under Fire Across the Country. Is Theft Really the Reason? The restrictions are often framed as a crime prevention measure. But the fine print points to a different motivation: adding union jobs. C. Jarrett Dieterle | 5.2.2026 7:00 AM (Illustration: Lex Villena; Daria Nipot | Dreamstime.com) Self-checkout machines are in the crosshairs. In recent months, numerous states and localities have considered legislation to curtail the use of automated checkout in grocery stores. These bills are often positioned as part of an effort to cut down on retail theft, but it appears the driving force behind them is to create more unionized jobs. According to USA Today, at least six states have considered rules that would restrict self-checkout machines. The states range from blue Connecticut to red Ohio, but it doesn't stop there. Two cities in California already have self-checkout limits in place, while New York City is currently considering restrictions as well. Self-checkout restrictions are often framed as a commonsense crime prevention measure that protects grocery store workers and cuts back against the recent uptick in retail theft nationwide. But when it comes to these bills, the fine print points toward a different motivation. For instance,