On March 25, 2026, the Illinois Supreme Court issued a 6-0 ruling that employees must be paid for mandatory pre- or post-work activities. Justices determined that state wage law defines hours worked as all time spent on the employer’s premises, with no exception for preliminary screenings.

Amazon operates 24-hour warehouses in Illinois employing more than 20,000 workers who underwent brief temperature checks and symptom screenings lasting roughly 10 to 15 minutes at shift start. These unpaid sessions now qualify as compensable work time under the decision.

By excluding federal screening exemptions, the ruling exposes Amazon to back-pay claims for each minute of unpaid pre-shift activity. Potential liabilities could run into millions of dollars, and the precedent may encourage similar class actions in other jurisdictions.

Amazon had argued that federal wage rules pre-empt state law exclusions for preliminary activities but was overruled. The company is reviewing its legal options, including a potential appeal, and is expected to adjust compensation policies for all Illinois facilities.