California Workers Unite Against AI: A Battle for Job Security and Rights

The current frenzy around artificial intelligence has spread like a shockwave, igniting concerns among workers across various sectors. The movement began with engineers inspired by a 2017 research paper, followed by venture capitalists eager to profit and government officials rushing to impose regulations. Now, it's labor's turn.

Recently, over 200 trade union members and technologists convened in Sacramento for the Making Tech Work for Workers conference. This event aimed to address how AI and technology threaten jobs and strategize for upcoming fights and possible strikes. Attendees included dock workers, home care workers, teachers, nurses, and actors.

A key takeaway from the conference was workers' determination to negotiate more control over how AI is deployed in their workplaces. Union representatives emphasized the various ways AI threatens jobs, spanning from screenwriting to taxi driving.

Luis, an Amazon worker, shared his struggles with the technology that tracks every movement, leading to physical and mental health issues. Despite feeling like a robot, he returned to work due to a lack of opportunities.

Amazon responded, stating that employees are encouraged to work with intention and are allowed breaks, asserting that surveillance is a common practice among major retailers.

The conference took place as President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second administration, leaving uncertainty about his approach to tech and workers. While he has made promises that favor big tech, he also advocates for blue-collar workers affected by automation.

Discussions at the conference shifted from Trump to protecting workers from technology that could exploit or automate discrimination. Union representatives urged participants to negotiate the use of AI in workplaces and consider how to leverage technology for organizing.

The United Food and Commercial Workers and National Nurses Union members will face significant challenges related to automation in upcoming contract negotiations, focusing on self-checkout systems and AI tools impacting patient care.

While corporations market AI as a beneficial technology, the Sacramento conference highlighted how unions are mobilizing workers to ensure their rights are protected. The AFL-CIO Tech Institute emphasized that including AI in collective bargaining is crucial as it affects numerous job roles.

A report from the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute revealed that 4.5 million Californians are at high risk of job loss due to automation, with a significant portion being Latino workers. A Gallup poll indicated that three out of four Americans are concerned about automation's impact on jobs.

Union leaders at the conference stressed the importance of organizing against technology that could exploit workers, emphasizing the need for collective bargaining to address these issues. They face challenges from corporate and political interests but believe unity is essential for their power.

Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Federation, noted that much of the new technology in the workplace serves as surveillance. She is collaborating with other states to pass legislation protecting workers' privacy and ensuring transparency regarding AI use in the workplace.

California is also drafting rules that would require businesses to inform employees when AI is in use and allow workers to opt out of data collection without repercussions. These regulations are still under negotiation but could make California the first state to enact such laws.

Amba Kak, executive director of the AI Now Institute, sees opportunities for workers to combat technological threats but emphasizes the importance of strategic battles. She advocates for labor's role in determining how technology is used, aiming to build bridges between labor movements and tech justice efforts.

As legislation evolves, labor's voice remains crucial in shaping the future of work in an AI-driven landscape.