AFL-CIO Launches ‘Workers First Initiative on AI’ to Put American Workers at the Future of Artificial Intelligence

As seen on aflcio.org

(Washington, D.C.)—The AFL-CIO launched today the “Workers First Initiative on AI,” the first comprehensive labor movement agenda establishing principles on artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The Initiative provides a blueprint for how employers and legislators should advance AI implementation in the workplace to the benefit of America’s working people and economy.

Developed with input from workers and unions across industries and public services, the Workers First Initiative on AI is designed to ensure that working people reap the benefits of AI technology and its use in the workforce. The Initiative includes first-of-its-kind guiding principles and resources for the responsible development of AI and its use in the workplace and a nationwide education and mobilization program. It also will be integrated with the AI task force the AFL-CIO launched this summer to fight for commonsense, strong AI safety policy at the state and local level.

“No one understands how to build the future of work better than America’s labor movement,” said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. “We reject the false choice between American competitiveness on the world stage and respecting workers’ rights and dignity. We know that for AI—or any other technology—to truly boost our economy, it needs to benefit everyone, not just a select few at the top. That’s why I’m thrilled to launch the Workers First Initiative on AI, which will advance the labor movement’s vision for this technology and a path forward for equitable, human-centered innovation in our workplaces and communities.”

Across the country, there is consensus around the need for strong, worker-centered AI safety. Some 80% of Americans across both parties want the government to have strong rules in place for AI safety and data security. Red and blue states alike are prioritizing AI safety measures, with all 50 states having introduced regulations related to AI, with around 40 passing legislation.