Labor unions gain ground on AI development through new agreements

In recent years, labor unions in the United States have been increasingly focused on negotiating terms related to artificial intelligence and other digital technologies as a part of their collective bargaining strategies. This trend culminated in 2023 when the AFL-CIO, the largest labor union federation in the country, reached an agreement with Microsoft to address worker voice in AI development. This was in line with the growing concern among workers regarding the impact of AI on their jobs and working conditions. The agreement with Microsoft is one of several efforts by labor organizations to engage in discussions around technology within the workplace. The rise of AI and digital technology has not only fostered innovation but has also raised significant concerns among workers about job quality and security. Given the perceived threats posed by these technologies, labor unions such as the Writers Guild of America and the Communication Workers of America have adopted proactive stances. They emphasize the necessity of securing worker protections and ensuring that employees have a say in how such technologies are implemented in their respective industries. The labor movement views these negotiations as a means to strengthen their position within an evolving digital workforce landscape. As part of their efforts, the UC Labor Center recently introduced a new database created to help unions navigate technological changes in the workplace. Researchers analyzed over 500 union contracts specific to digital technologies, offering insights into union strategies regarding technology use. The database includes provisions for worker protections, upskilling, and the introduction of new technologies, structured into six relevant sections. However, the researchers caution that the tool should be used for research purposes rather than as a blueprint for union negotiations. Despite a decline in union membership in the past years, public support for labor unions has surged, reaching 70% in 2024, which is the highest since the 1960s. Amid this backdrop, workers are finding renewed opportunities to negotiate technology use in their workplaces. The research conducted by the UC Labor Center aims to empower unions by providing them essential data to understand and respond to the ongoing digital transformation. This indicates a significant evolution in the role of unions within the context of rapid technological advancement in work environments.