The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the largest federation of unions in the United States, has launched a sweeping initiative calling for a “worker-centered” future in the age of artificial intelligence. The effort, dubbed the “workers first initiative on AI,” urges employers and policymakers to prioritize labor rights, strengthen collective bargaining, and implement regulations to prevent AI from undermining worker dignity and democracy. With 63 member unions and nearly 15 million workers across industries—from healthcare and transportation to sports and manufacturing—the AFL-CIO emphasizes that technological progress should not come at the expense of workers. In a press release, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “We reject the false choice between American competitiveness on the world stage and respecting workers’ rights and dignity.” The initiative outlines several key priorities. These include enforcing labor protections against AI-driven surveillance and layoffs, safeguarding workers from copyright infringement in AI training data, expanding retraining programs to help workers transition into AI-related jobs, and ensuring transparency in AI systems funded by public money. Ed Wytkind, the AFL-CIO’s interim director of its Technology Institute, stressed that collective bargaining remains one of the most effective tools for managing AI integration in the workplace. He cited the United Auto Workers’ successful collaboration with automakers in the 1950s as a model—where automation was implemented alongside worker input, resulting in advanced production systems with skilled labor at the helm. The AFL-CIO also seeks to prevent unchecked workplace surveillance enabled by modern AI. Wytkind noted that while surveillance technologies have evolved since the 1980s, contract negotiations remain a proven method to limit invasive practices such as hidden cameras or algorithmic monitoring of employee behavior. The group insists that workers must have a voice in AI development, particularly in government-funded research. It calls for mandatory inclusion of union representatives and worker advocates in AI policy and research decisions. According to Wytkind, involving workers helps companies avoid costly mistakes by identifying flawed or unsafe technologies before deployment. On the legislative front, the AFL-CIO is pushing for laws requiring worker involvement in decisions about new technologies. While progress has been slow, the group points to California’s Senate Bill 7, which would require human oversight in AI-driven firings and disciplinary actions. Despite strong support, the bill was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October. Wytkind called the veto disappointing but not a setback, noting that the issue has broad bipartisan appeal—rare in today’s political climate. The AFL-CIO faces significant opposition from powerful AI-aligned political forces. AI-focused super PACs are increasingly influential, with Meta launching its own pro-AI PAC in California to promote its agenda. In contrast, the AFL-CIO’s California chapter spent over $2 million on political donations in 2024—more than 30 times its 2023 spending—highlighting its growing political investment. This marks the first time the AFL-CIO has advanced a unified, economy-wide technology agenda. Wytkind emphasized that no sector—public or private—will remain untouched by AI, making coordinated, inclusive action essential.