Rebuilding Labor and Worker Power to Respond to AI

The labor movement is experiencing a comeback moment in the United States. That’s timely—labor unions have a critical role to play in maximizing the benefits and mitigating the risks of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplaces. Organized labor and worker organizations can help policymakers and employers harness technological change to make jobs better, boost productivity, and ensure that AI is a win-win for both workers and employers.

Gallup polling indicates that the public is rallying behind expanding union influence. Two out of three Americans support unions, but illicit union-busting practices, poor labor law enforcement, and a declining understanding of worker rights have prevented union membership from aligning with public preferences. As employer adoption of AI accelerates, America will need a revitalized labor sector.

Last year, the Writers Guild of America strike became one of the most prominent examples of labor unions successfully winning protections for workers around the use of AI in Hollywood while the AFL-CIO and Microsoft inked a landmark partnership around AI.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration’s U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has taken steps to provide resources and guidance around the responsible use of AI at workplaces. Industry groups, such as the World Economic Forum in partnership with New America, have examined how AI-based workplace technologies can improve job quality.

Where do we go from here? Join New America’s Future of Work & Innovation Economy Initiative for a cross-sector dialogue and find out.

Follow along with us on social media at @NewAmericaEd. Follow our work by subscribing to our Future of Work Bulletin and see our writing and research around Worker Voice, Labor, AI, and the Future of Work.

Confirmed speakers:

• Kay Firth-Butterfield, Future of Work and Innovation Economy Fellow, New America; Former Head of AI World Economic Forum (@KayFButterfield | LinkedIn)
• Amanda Ballantyne, Director, Technology Institute and Working for America Institute, AFL-CIO (LinkedIn)
• Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, President, Writers Guild of America East (@LisaCullen)
• Andrea Dehlendorf, Strategic Advisor on Labor, Tech, and Economic Justice; Past Executive Director, United for Respect (LinkedIn)
• Shalin Jyotishi, Senior Advisor for Education, Labor, and Future of Work at New America & Founder of its Future of Work and Innovation Economy Initiative (@ShalinJyotishi | LinkedIn)
• Mary Alice McCarthy, Senior Director, Center on Education and Labor at New America (@McCarthyEdWork | LinkedIn)
• Keith Sonderling, Commissioner, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (@KSonderlingEEOC | LinkedIn)